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NEWPORT, R.I. — The International Yacht Restoration School will launch a full-time Composites Technology Program in the fall, the school said in a release this week.
“The Composites Technology Program rounds out our offerings as a technical training institute for the marine industry. The program uses the same in-depth, intensive educational model that has earned our programs an international reputation for excellence,” IYRS President Terry Nathan said in the release. “Technical experts agree that the marine industry’s increased use of advanced composites can give birth to the type of innovative products that can reinvigorate the industry; the IYRS program is designed to attract and train the inventive practitioners who can help lead the way.”
The Composites Technology Program will be offered at the school’s teaching facility in Bristol, R.I., beginning in September 2010. The nine-month program will give students a foundation in composites processes, techniques, and technology — ranging from general composites that employ glass fiber and polyester resin to advanced composites that employ high-strength/high-modulus fibers and advanced resin systems, according to the school.
To develop the program, IYRS said it formed an Industry Advisory Council made up of 18 individuals with expertise in the marine industry, the composites industry and general business. The committee includes representation from organizations such as the American Composites Manufacturers Association, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), and marine-industry leaders such as Hall Spars & Rigging and New England Boatworks.
According to the American Composites Manufacturers Association, in the U.S. alone, the composites industry employs about 550,000 people and generates almost $70 billion in revenues per year.
IYRS, which has locations in Newport and Bristol, also offers technical training for the marine industry through programs in Boatbuilding & Restoration, Marine Systems, and shorter-term continuing education courses.
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