Why Enroll in the IYRS Composites Program?

There are many reasons why students should consider training for a career in composites at IYRS. Here are the top five:

The field of composites is growing.

Builders and engineers are continually looking for ways to reduce weight and increase efficiency, especially at a point in time when environmental sustainability is at the forefront of global consciousness. According to composites industry veteran Richard O’Meara, “Composites are really coming of age now because there is a need for humanity to reduce the mass of material that we use to build things – because we are running out.”

The IYRS Composites Technology program focuses on the marine industry, but it prepares students for dozens of other industries.

While the roots of the Composites Technology program at IYRS lie in the marine world, students can leave the program prepared for a career in other industries, such as aerospace, automotive, mass transit and construction—to name just a few. Advanced composites are needed not only for larger structures, but for their components. And lighter, stronger components mean higher speed and fuel-efficiency for all the industries listed above.

IYRS’s unique marine point of view.

The marine industry is a pioneer when it comes to composites. In fact, the first product created using modern composites was a boat, built in 1932. And boat builders have been at the forefront of the industry ever since. By learning about composites from a marine perspective, you have access to the most cutting-edge techniques and materials, which can prepare you for a composites career just about anywhere.

Coursework created and taught by industry experts.

IYRS staff and faculty are professionals with significant experience working with composites in the marine trades, along with people from other composites-focused industries, to help develop and teach this program. The panel of experts includes leaders in the marine industry, members of the American Composites Manufacturing Association, as well as independent consultants who are well versed in the world of composites. Read an [interview with Composites Technology instructor Henry Elliot] to learn more about why this is the field to get trained in.

The most comprehensive course of its kind.

In the words of industry veteran Bob Lacovara of Convergent Composites, “I am not aware of any other program in the country that is as comprehensive as the IYRS program. [It] integrates all the skills needed to move forward in the emerging composites industry.” The IYRS Composites Technology Program is one of the first to combine the use of computers and CNC machining with open molding with vacuum infusion, closed molding and advanced composites for a fully integrated experience. There are few people with training as complete as this.

For more FAQs about composites, please click here.