Composites Technology

Also see Manufacturing and Marine Maintenance Technology

Program Description

The Composites Technology (CMPST) program at Skagit Valley College is designed to provide a comprehensive education for the next generation of composite technicians. Marine, aerospace, transportation, medicine, construction, energy, and sports equipment represent some of the industries where composites are used. The growing demand for stronger, lighter and more efficient building materials is driving the demand for skilled composites technicians who can work with these new materials and processes.

This certificate program provides students with skills and knowledge in plant safety, manufacture and repair processes, composite materials, gel coat/controlled spraying/fluid handling applications, vacuum infusion process, light resin transfer molding (RTM), part and tooling design techniques, and composites strength of materials. Students learn chemical safety, design, modern closed mold techniques, and construction of molds to construct a variety of parts. Students work toward taking American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) certification exams - the standard for composites credentialing. The Composites program offers the student options for short and long-term certificates.

Composite manufacturing has evolved into a diverse industry and can be found in the marine, aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, construction, alternative energy, medical devices, and many other industries, creating an expanding wealth of opportunity for talented practitioners. The Composites program at Skagit Valley College is designed to provide a comprehensive education for the next generation of composite technicians.

Why Enroll in the Composites Technology Program at Skagit Valley College?

The field of composites is growing.
The Skagit Valley College program prepares students for entry into many industries using composite technology.
Courses are developed and taught by leaders in the field - our instructors hold ACMA credentials and have worked in industry.
Comprehensive courses integrate skill sets with technology found in industry and supported by industry input.

For more information, please contact the department chair, Bruce Poole, at 360.416.6549 or bruce.poole@skagit.edu.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Composites Technology program will be able to:

Possess the skills and knowledge required for successful entry-level employment in composite-related industries.
Understand the safety hazards and workplace precautions that need to be taken when working with hazardous chemicals typically found in a shop environment.
Identify resins, initiators, promoters, solvents and all chemicals by sight, smell and touch, and handle according to established safety standards.
Demonstrate ability to correctly apply various types of catalyzed coatings and paints.
Demonstrate ability to use the correct technique for repairing a variety of composite structures.
Demonstrate ability to develop a full size plug from a scaled drawing, and correctly finish the surface using various mediums current to industry standards.
Correctly perform contact molding, vacuum bagging techniques, out of oven autoclave, and oven curing techniques.
Demonstrate silicone bag part building and rigid B side part building techniques using current industry standards.
Distinguish and operate support equipment in Closed Cavity and Light Resin Transfer Method.
Demonstrate ability to use advanced composite nomenclature related to equipment, tools, accessories, and materials commonly used in the composites workplace.
Understand environmental issues related to manufacture and use of composite structures.
Understand and follow laws and regulations as they relate to composites certifications.

Programs

Courses

Composites