91

Composites

Shape Your Future with the Materials of Today

Tuition

$2,000

Program Length

20 credits

Next Start Date

07/13/2026

Enroll by

07/02/2026

Location

BDO Campus

Learn More

Your name

Composites: The materials behind speed, strength, and innovation.

Train for high-demand industries by working with the advanced materials used in aircraft, performance vehicles, and modern manufacturing. Gain hands-on experience in fabrication, machining, bonding, coatings, and precision measurement. Build your future by creating lightweight, high-performance technology.

Avg. Salary

$61k

for 91 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

Create strong, lightweight parts using materials like carbon fiber. Layup, cure, trim, and inspect components while solving real-world manufacturing challenges.

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.

91 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

Estimated Tuition
$2,000

Estimated Materials Cost
$180

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

Program Materials

MaterialRequiredNewCourses
Large Scissors$42.76 All
Scientific Calculator$22.65 All
Black Sharpie Marker (2)$5.00 All
Cut Resistant Gloves$12.00 All
Metal Scribe Tool (Pocket Scribe)$14.32 All
Powder Free Nitrile Glove (Box 100 count)$14.00 All
Reusable Half Face Respirator with P95 Rated Filters$51.30 All
Silver Sharpie Marker (2)$5.00 All
Composite Lab Coat$25.00 All
Denim Apron$13.49 All
Safety Glasses Clear$2.99 All
Tape Measure$13.99 All
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$75.00 All
Subtotal of required materials$174.85

Material costs are subject to change.

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

Enroll ByStart Week
07/02/202607/13/2026
07/16/202607/27/2026
07/30/202608/10/2026
08/13/202608/24/2026
09/03/202609/14/2026
09/17/202609/28/2026
10/01/202610/12/2026
10/15/202610/26/2026
10/29/202611/09/2026
11/19/202612/07/2026
12/17/202601/11/2027
01/14/202701/25/2027
01/28/202702/08/2027
02/18/202703/01/2027
03/04/202703/15/2027
03/25/202704/12/2027
04/15/202704/26/2027
04/29/202705/10/2027
05/13/202705/24/2027
05/27/202706/07/2027
  • 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 NumberCourse NameCreditsCost
TECM 1000Composite Basics2200
TECM 1005Fundamentals of Composites2200
TECM 1010Basic Composite Fabrication2200
TECM 1020Blueprint Reading1100
TECM 1045Workplace Relations and Job Seeking Skills for Composites1100
TECM 1050Tools and Measurements1100
TECM 1100Advanced Composite Materials3300
TECM 1105Composites Automated Cutting Kitting1100
TECM 1110CNC Composite Processes2200
TECM 1130Composite Repair2200
TECM 1135Composite Repair II1100
TECM 1200Autoclave Processing1100
TECM 1215Composite Filament Winding1100
TECM 1500NDI Methods for Composites2200
TECM 1550Composites Machining Basics1100
TECM 1600Composite Tool Making and Vacuum Infusion2200
TECM 1820Composite Project I1100
TECM 1830Composite Project II2200
TECM 1900Utah Aerospace Pathways Work-Based Learning1100
TECM 1910Composites Work-Based Learning I1100
TECM 1920Composites Work-Based Learning II1100
TECM 1930Composites Work-Based Learning III1100
TEDR 1200Parametric Solid Modeling3300

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 91, 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