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Short course · Shipyard and finishes

Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course

This course immerses you in the materials of the future, from the fundamentals of composition and properties through to their application. You will move from the structure and behaviour of fibreglass and composites to lamination methods, with a section on damage assessment and repair.

100% online300 hours5 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This short course takes you through composite materials from their composition and properties to manufacturing and repair techniques. It focuses on fibreglass and other materials used to create light, strong and versatile products.

It is designed for engineers, designers and technicians who want to bring innovation to their projects.

Programme highlights

  • Covers everything from basic theory to advanced applications of fibreglass.
  • Trains you to design and manufacture quality parts with good performance and reduced costs.
  • Presents specialised repair and maintenance techniques to extend the service life of structures.
  • Includes real cases and practical projects.
  • Oriented towards sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, shipbuilding and wind energy.

Study plan

01Technical Foundations of Composites (FRP) and Reinforcement Architectures60 h
Resin chemistry (polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy), types and formats of glass fibre, laminate architectures, the fibre-matrix bond and laminate mechanics.
02Design and Sizing of Laminates and Sandwich Structures60 h
Loads and stresses, classical laminate theory, design of sandwich structures with different cores, joints and construction details, and structural adhesives.
03Fibreglass Manufacturing Processes and Cure Control60 h
Hand lay-up, spray-up, vacuum infusion, closed-mould processes such as RTM, and prepreg and autoclave curing.
04Moulds, Tooling and Finishes: Gelcoat, Surfaces and Vacuum60 h
Mould design, surface preparation, gelcoat and barrier coats, vacuum consumables and integrity checks of vacuum systems.
05Repair, Maintenance, Defects and Sustainability in FRP60 h
Damage diagnosis, structural repair, osmosis and blistering, gelcoat and finish repair, and health and safety with styrene, epoxies and fibre dust.

Duration and format

300hours in total
5modules of 60 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 30 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 15.

What you will learn

  • Master lamination and moulding techniques to produce strong, lightweight parts.
  • Assess and select the right composite materials and fibreglass for each application.
  • Repair and maintain structures to preserve their integrity and service life.
  • Interpret drawings and technical specifications to manufacture components accurately.
  • Apply health and safety measures when handling resins, catalysts and fibres.
  • Control the quality of parts to meet standards and tolerances.

Career outcomes

  • Production technician: manufacturing of composite parts.
  • Quality control technician: inspection and verification of products.
  • Product designer: development of products in composite materials.
  • Composite repair technician: maintenance and repair of damaged parts.
  • Composite installer: fitting of components in a range of industries.
  • Technical sales: sales and technical advice.
  • Research and development: innovation projects in materials.
  • Technical consultant: advice on composite material applications.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: vocational training in mechanical manufacturing, chemistry or materials, or demonstrable experience with composite materials and fibreglass.
  • Prior knowledge: basic notions of chemistry, physics and manufacturing processes, and familiarity with workshop tools.
  • Skills: ability to follow technical instructions, attention to detail, manual dexterity and respect for safety rules.
  • Documentation: up-to-date CV, copies of qualifications or certificates, ID card or passport, and an optional motivation letter.
  • Equipment for practical work: work clothing, safety footwear, goggles and gloves, unless provided by the centre.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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