Manufacturers already use composite materials to make automotive body parts, pontoon boats, wind turbine blades, and much more. These companies need technicians educated in composites. Through Roane State’s composite materials (ACE) courses, students can get the education they need for these jobs.

Composites manufacturing is also a high-tech and growing field. Research into low-cost carbon fiber composite materials could lead to a revolution in composites manufacturing.

By taking ACE classes, students can get a hands-on education that will prepare them for today’s composites manufacturing jobs and for ones on the horizon.

Interested in ACE? Contact us.

Learn the skills

Roane State offers specialized composite materials courses as part of its Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in General Technology.  Sign up for ACE classes when you register.

CMAT 1010 - Introduction to Composite Materials

Students will learn applications that are suitable for the use of composite materials and study the polymer chemistry required for manufacturing composite material products. Students will also learn the future of composite materials applications and manufacturing methods.

CMAT 1020 - Introduction to Composite Manufacturing Methods

Students will study methods used in the manufacturing of composite materials and the role of automation in composite manufacturing.

CMAT 1030  - Applied Production Methodology

Students will experience hands-on application of composite materials manufacturing processes in a laboratory environment. Students will employ various manufacturing methods, learn how to safely handle hazardous materials and learn the appropriate storage handling methods for hazardous materials.

Prepare for the future

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is leading research in how to make low-cost carbon fiber composite materials. The stuff looks like yarn on a spool, but it’s stronger than steel. It could revolutionize the way we make — everything.

Imagine, one day, a car made of carbon fiber composites instead of steel. Car makers such as BMW are already working on this. Carbon fiber cars will be much lighter — drastically increasing gas mileage — but tougher. Steel cars will end up in museums. In the trucking industry, big rigs with carbon fiber parts will be lighter, allowing them to haul more at lower fuel costs.

The skills students learn in Roane State’s composite materials courses will carry over into the cutting-edge field of carbon fiber composite materials. By learning about composites now, students will have the background to be part of what some experts call the next industrial revolution.

Possible Jobs

Completing Roane State’s composite materials courses can lead to a variety of available jobs. Examples include:

• maintenance technician
• resin prep technician
• automated controls technician
• electro-mechanical technician
• industrial engineering technician
• industrial production management positions

Breakthroughs in low-cost carbon fiber composite materials will lead to more advanced manufacturing jobs now and in the future. With Roane State’s ACE classes, you will be ready for more than a job. You will be ready for a career in cutting-edge technology.

Take the challenge. Sign up for ACE courses today.

For more information:

Advanced Composites Employment accelerator
ace@roanestate.edu
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4865

Special thanks to Tru-Design and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for assistance with photos.

This project is jointly funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (60%), the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (30%) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (10%). Federal funding totals $1.6 million (75% of total cost). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.