Composites Technology

Composites Technology | Accredited 6 month program | Enrolls March & September

Composites Technology is an immersive experiential training program, with an externship, in advanced composite technologies. The demand for lighter, stronger building materials, and the people who know how to work with them, has never been greater.  And the driving force behind this next generation of manufacturing is a composites technology revolution.

This hands-on, industry-leading Composites Technology program is one of a kind, where no two days are alike. You’ll learn transformative, future-forward skills that include composites manufacturing methods, an introduction to CAD/CAM technology, and experience with 2D and 3D tools. At IYRS, you'll build beyond ordinary with some of the lightest, strongest materials on earth.

Experience the Composites Technology program

Curriculum

Composites Technology program

Composites Technology students learn about the properties of the raw materials and how to fabricate those materials through a number of process methods. IYRS students learn the shop-level chemistry of the polymer resins, and the all important “why” of how the materials work. Next is the hands-on skill development starting with the basic open molding method. The program then progresses through more advanced methods, including: Mold making, vacuum bagging, vacuum infusion and high-tech advanced composites. In addition to mastering these process skills, students learn to draw using CAD software and then couple that with CNC machining for creation of tooling. This acquired skill-set and knowledge is framed with the opportunity to earn certificates as a Certified Composites Technician. The knowledge of composites materials, molding process skills and industry certification are a powerful combination that can open the door to many career opportunities.  

Capstone Project

Students put their skills into practice with an individual capstone project. Each student chooses, plans, and completes the build of this project using the skills and knowledge they've acquired in the Composites Technology program. A highly rated element of the program, students choose a project that correlates to their lifestyle – guitars, skateboards, surfboards, car parts, canoes, and more. The capstone project is both a valuable learning experience and a way to apply specific processes and techniques to a real-world, exciting custom project.

Externship

The capstone project provides the jumping off point to a month-long externship in the composites industry, and becoming uniquely positioned for a job and a career in a rapidly advancing industry. The externship is facilitated through Career Development and provides the opportunity for students to apply the skills they've acquired in the shop to the workplace while gaining valuable business, resume-building, and hands-on experience:

  • Resume writing 
  • Industry research
  • Interviewing & professional communication
  • Application of craftsmanship & technical skills in a business environment
  • Relationship building with employers 

Learn more about the IYRS externship program here.

Composites: The Future of Manufacturing

What are composites?

Composites are a system of materials that combines polymer resins with fiber reinforcements such as carbon fiber, glass fiber or Kevlar™. These materials are molded into objects that can be extremely light, strong and durable. There are many variations of composites materials that span applications from low-cost bathware to high-performance spacecraft structures or giant wind turbine blades.

Where are composites used?

Composites are used to construct thousands of items for a wide range of uses. This includes: aerospace structures, architectural products, automotive components, boats, sporting equipment, RV and truck components, industrial structures, wind energy components and consumer products.

Composites materials make America’s Cup boats fly, racecars go fast, fighter jets go faster, and sporting equipment more fun. If an object needs to be lightweight, strong and endure, composites are the first choice in materials.

What is composites technology?

The materials and production methods used to fabricate composites objects are encapsulated in the realm of composites technology. This includes a knowledge of the materials and the required skill-set to transform the raw materials into finished products. The science and procedures that underlie the application of these materials is at the root of the technology used in the industry.

KNOWLEDGE BASE

  • Composites Industry Structure & Profile
  • Basic Materials Science 
  • Underlying Principles of Molding Process Methods
  • Process Planning and Procedures

SHOP SKILLS

  • Hand and Power Tool Use
  • Materials Handling Techniques
  • Fundamentals of Molding Technology
  • Open Molding Techniques
  • Vacuum Gagging/Vacuum Infusion Processing
  • Advanced Composites Prepreg Processing
  • Mold Development and Fabrication
  • Composites Repair Methods
  • CAD/CAM Experience
  • CNC Machine Operation

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

  • Business Acumen
  • Project Planning
  • Project Management
  • Entrepreneurialism
  • Teamwork & Communication
  • Time Management 

Upon graduation, you’ll be uniquely positioned for more than a job – a rewarding career. IYRS will prepare you to sit for industry certification exams and help you connect with world-class employers in the aerospace, construction, wind and solar energy, marine, and automotive industries.