Aviation Manufacturing Quick Careers Program (AMQCP): Composite Technology Programs

The field of aircraft composites continues to grow rapidly and jobs for technicians are in great demand. GTCC provides up-to-date training to meet industry needs by preparing students for entry-level positions in the composite manufacturing and repair fields. GTCC offers programs that can help students be successful and competitive in meeting employers' needs.

Current offerings include: Composite Technology, Vacuum Infusion, Molding fabrication and Adhesive Bonding.

Composite Technology Level 1

Composite Technology Level 1 is a four-week course that instructs laymen and skilled professionals about the fundamentals of advanced composite fabrication, repairs, and processes. Advanced composites are used in many applications and continue to be a primary consideration when replacing other structural components with the advantage of being light and strong.

It is strongly recommended that this course be taken before advancing to the other composite courses.

Current Course Offerings

Cost
Course Description Cost
Composite Technology Level 1
$188.00
The Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication and Repair Second Edition (ISBN : 978-1-61954-762-9)
$85.35

 

Available Courses
Course Name Dates Days Hours Campus Room Register
MEC-3187-B04 Composite Technology Level 1 5/28/24-6/24/24 M-F 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aviation II Bldg 209 Register Now
MEC-3187-B02 Composite Technology Level 1 7/22/24-8/16/24 M-F 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aviation II Bldg 121 Register Now
MEC-3187-B05 Composite Technology Level 1 9/16/24-10/11/24 M-F 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aviation II Bldg 121 Register Now

Vacuum Infusion Process

Vacuum infusion is a complicated process that uses vacuum pressure to drive the resin into the laminate. Dry materials are laid in a mold and the vacuum applied before the resin is introduced. It offers many advantages and is commonly used in many composite industries to include aerospace, automotive and marine. Boat hulls, wind turbine blades, bridge beams and building cladding panels are typical components manufactured using this technique.

The seven-day course provides the necessary skills to produce component parts using the vacuum infusion process.

No courses available at this time.

Molding Fabrication

The seven-day mold fabrication course will provide instruction on producing "open" and "closed" moldings using the typical tools required for this process. Open molding is a low-cost and effective process used to manufacture composite parts exposed to the atmosphere. Closed molding is a process used to make parts not exposed to the atmosphere. Using the correct tool design and techniques, you will learn to fabricate using the molding process with fiberglass and carbon molds toward an understanding of the potential problems that would affect the final integrity of the part.

No courses available at this time.

Adhesive Bonding

Upon completion of this five-day course, the graduate will have a thorough knowledge of the adhesive bonding process, will be familiar with the typical tools used for this process, as well as the problems that may be encountered if the technique is not done correctly. Parts are bonded together with various adhesive bonding processes to include installation and removal of 'Click Bond' fasteners.

No courses available at this time.

Program Gallery

  • Removal of sharp edges from a laminate assembly

    Removal of sharp edges from a laminate assembly

  • Scarfing project using downdraft tables

    Scarfing project using downdraft tables

  • Setting up the vacuum port

    Setting up the vacuum port

  • Preparing unidirectional carbon laminate

    Preparing unidirectional carbon laminate

  • Preparing layup materials

    Preparing layup materials

  • Securing solid release film

    Securing solid release film

  • Producing composite layups

    Producing composite layups

  • Preparing layup materials

    Preparing layup materials

  • Removing peel ply

    Removing peel ply

  • Securing heat blanket on sealant tape

    Securing heat blanket on sealant tape

  • Checking dual bonder

    Checking dual bonder

  • Class final day group photo

    Class final day group photo

Student Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Although the course is not a guarantee of employment, composite technicians with skills in composites manufacturing and repair, you can find employment in various industries including Aerospace, Auto Racing, Power Generation, and general manufacturing. These industries use composite materials to make their products lightweight and durable. The Boeing 787 airframe is comprised of 50% composites materials. A local Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) is expanding and has recently built additional hangar space to accommodate the Boeing 787. The demand continues to grow for the need of expertise in the composite field.

$15 - $23 per hour plus benefits for entry level employees.

Local business and industry partners to include Honda Aircraft Co., HAECO, Cabin Solutions, and externally Boeing

The textbook, Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication and Repair, is purchased at the time of registration.  We supply all the tools necessary, and students are not permitted to use any personal tools in class. 

There are many opportunities for sponsorships and scholarships to cover the cost of the courses

We suggest your start with our Workforce Training Scholarships application for support. Once you complete the application, you will be contacted about funding and options.

For example, this program qualifies for the Metallica Scholarship program, and you will be considered for the scholarship once you've completed this application.

Our address is 819 Radar Road, Greensboro, NC 27410.  We are located at the Greensboro Airport across from Honda Aircraft Co. and HAECO.

The traditional face-to-face class is from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm or 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The online work requires set goals to be completed at set intervals and permitted to be conducted at any location.

Class is from 8:00 am until 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  The majority of work is conducted in the lab, supported, and reinforced with classroom presentations.

Credits awarded from completion of the AMQCP Composite Program may be transferred to the Aerostructure Manufacturing and Repair Technology program. Shifts at most companies around the airport complement GTCC’s Aviation Programs. Several companies offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit in support of further education. 

A partnership in liaison with the American Composites Manufacturing Association (ACMA) will permit you to enhance your professional qualifications.