Composites

Shape Your Future with the Materials of Today

Adult Costs

$1,900

Program Length

11 months

Next Start Date

3/9/2026

Enroll by

February 26th

Location

BDO Campus

Learn More

Your name

Mastering the Elements with Composites: Get Career Ready Now

Master composite skills for high-demand industries. Learn layup, resin mixing, bagging, machining, bonding, coatings, blueprint reading, and the use of precision tools. Build your future with lightweight, high-performance materials.

Avg. Salary

$61k

for OTECH Grads

Career Growth

2.90%

by 2032 in Utah

Day in the Life

Each day begins with precision and purpose. Imagine starting your day with a team huddle, then heading to your work cell to build parts for fighter jets, rockets, missiles, or commercial products like race cars, drones, and prosthetics. From cleanroom layups to precision builds, you’re shaping everything from aerospace components to high-performance bikes and construction materials—crafting the future, one layer at a time.

Career Skills You'll Learn:

Understand Materials

Hands-on experience using tools, chemicals, and composites in real-world fabrication settings.

Equipment Operation

Learn how to safely operate industry-standard tools and equipment in a cutting-edge composites lab.

Repair Methods

Understand damage assessment, composite repair methods, material replacement, and part reconstruction.

Lay-up Techniques

Train in composite layup and molding methods used in aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.

Quality Inspection

Develop skills to assess part quality and verify conformity to engineering specs and industry standards.

Safety

Learn how to protect yourself and others through correct PPE use, chemical handling, and lab safety protocols.

Potential Career Paths

Composite Technician

Lay up composite parts using prepreg or wet layup, perform inspection, trimming, bonding, curing, and assist in process development.

Composite Repair Technician

Assess composite damage, follow approved repair methods, select materials, and perform rework per engineering-developed processes.

Production Technician

Support manufacturing with tasks like machining, painting, bonding, assembly, curing, demolding, finishing, and tool prep.

Quality Technician

Inspect composite parts using precision tools and CMMs, document results, identify defects, and support FAI, audits, and quality standards.

Engineering Technician (with further education)

Design, test, improve, and lead composite processes and systems to improve quality, efficiency, and product performance.

Business Team

Manage contracts, materials, teams, and programs to ensure efficient operations, quality output, and customer satisfaction.

OTECH Partners who hire our Composites graduates

Program Overview

The Composites program introduces students to the ever-expanding utilization of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar. In this program, students will learn and demonstrate safety, terminology, composite material lay-ups, quality inspection, and repair in accordance with industry best practices.

With much of our curriculum online, students have the flexibility to work at their own pace with course materials while also gaining the necessary hands-on experience. Our state-of-the-art lab is equipped with industry-standard equipment like an automated cutting table, autoclave, filament winder, and water jet. Students also learn to use and become comfortable with hand tools. Students who complete the program will be qualified to work in a variety of competitive fields, from aerospace and defense to recreation and sporting goods.

Classroom Hours
Day: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Day: M-F 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Eve: T-Th 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Enrollment open to
Adults, High school students

Credit transfer options
Available to view here

Tuition & Cost

Estimated Adult Tuition and Fees
$1,945.00

Estimated Materials Cost
$100.62

Estimated High School Student Cost
$100.62

Financial Aid Eligibility
Scholarship: Yes
VA: Yes
Pell Grant: Yes

Program Materials
MaterialRequiredNew
Large Scissors$34.99
Scientific Calculator$22.65
Black Sharpie Marker (2)$5.00
Cut Resistant Gloves$15.00
Metal Scribe Tool (Pocket Scribe)$10.00
Powder Free Nitrile Glove (Box 100 count)$10.00
Reusable Half Face Respirator with P95 Rated Filters$20.00
Silver Sharpie Marker (2)$5.00
Composite Lab Coat$23.50
Denim Apron$13.49
Safety Glasses Clear$2.99
Tape Measure$13.99
Louis C. Dorworth, Ginger L. Gardiner, Dr. Greg M. Mellema Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication and Repair. 3rd. Aviation Supplies and Academics, ISBN: 978-1644254141$80.00
Subtotal of required materials$210.46

This program has no admission requirements. You may start your admissions application at any time.

3/9/2026
  • Discuss composite materials, including their composition, structure, and properties.
  • Use the manufacturing processes involved in producing composite materials, including lay-up techniques.
  • Explain the mechanical behavior of composites, including strength, stiffness, and failure mechanisms.
  • Identify industries that use composite materials, including aerospace, Department of Defense (DOD), sports and recreation, automotive, marine, and construction.
  • Use enhanced problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills to solve real-world challenges related to composite materials.
  • Cultivate composite shop skills through hands-on lay-ups and demonstrations related to composite material.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills for presenting and discussing composite material concepts, applications, and production processes.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have a felony or misdemeanor on your record, it may be harder to get a job after finishing this program. If you have questions, please talk to the Program Coordinator.

Course Syllabus →
Course NumberCourse NameCreditsCost
COMP0999 Introduction to Computers1$95
COMP1006Fundamentals of Composites2$190
COMP1075Composite Basics1$95
COMP1080 Non-Vacuum Bag Fabrication1$95
COMP1085 Tools and Measurements1$95
COMP1095 Vacuum Bag Fabrication1$95
COMP1102 Composites Automated Cutting Kitting1$95
COMP1120 Prepreg Material Laminations3$285
COMP1123 Blueprint Reading for Composites1$95
COMP1130 Composite Repair I2$190
COMP1140 Composites Tool Making and Vacuum Infusion2$190
COMP1215 Composites Repair II1$95
COMP1225 Composites Machining Basics1$95
COMP1235 Composites Automated Cutting Kitting1$95
COMP1265 Composite Filament Winding1$95
COMP1280 Composite Autoclave Operation1$95
COMP1310 Composites Work-Based Learning I1$95
COMP1315Composites Work-Based Learning II1$95
COMP1320Composites Work-Based Learning III1$95
COMP1325Workplace Relations and Job Seeking Skills for Composites1$95
COMP1335CNC Composite Processes1$95
COMP1630Composite Project I1$95
COMP1660 Composite Project II2$190
COMP1685Work-Based Learning for Utah Aerospace Pathways Program Students1$95
NDIT1010 NDI Methods for Composites2$190

Criminal Record Notice
If you have a felony or misdemeanor on your record, it may be harder to get a job after finishing this program. If you have questions, please talk to the Program Coordinator.

Shayne Pearce

Shayne is the Coordinator of the Composite Program and is dedicated to creating a learning environment that prepares students for careers in industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, a Composite Certificate from OTECH, and a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma. He is currently pursuing a degree in Manufacturing Engineering as well as a Certificate in Industrial Automation.

With more than 10 years of experience across various manufacturing and composite industries, Shayne brings valuable real-world knowledge and expertise to the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between education and industry.

shayne.pearce@otech.edu

801-395-3788