Introduction to Composites Workshop at BTC

For the past few years our Department has been approached by representatives in the  Manufacturing Industry to discuss ways we can partner to help get students interested in manufacturing as a possible career path. At the same time, the State and County is investing greatly in workforce development for the emerging Wind Energy industry in our region. With all this funding in our region, this is an excellent time for us to get involved.

We have partnered with the Institute for Workforce Advancement to offer students a two day introductory course on working with composite materials. An example of a composite material used in manufacturing is carbon fiber.  Carbon fiber is the mixture of a very strong and durable fabric with various resins and glues. The end results is a product that is both super lightweight and super strong. It’s used to make a wide variety of things ranging from prosthetic limbs to wind turbine blades. It’s used in on racing cars, boats, motorcycles and airplanes. If the item break or cracks, because of how it is repaired, the item is now made stronger than it was before.

Last week, some of our students participated in this introductory Composite Workshop.