Composites Technology Jobs Overview:

Composites technology in Maine reflects national and international growth rates of about 7% a year. Maine's largest segments are boatbuilding and marine infrastructure and construction materials. Maine has developed strong products through research and development, particularly in boatbuilding. In other areas, composites have built upon both natural and man-made fibers, such as composite wood products. Over the next several years, wind energy, transportation, and construction are expected to be the dominant markets driving growth in the use of composite materials. Some niche applications such as thermoplastic composite applications, infrastructure applications, military and defense applications, industrial rollers, fuel cells, and others are also expected to show healthy growth.

Education Opportunities:

Several of Maine's educational institutions are providing courses and majors to support the composites industry. The University of Maine in Orono graduates chemists and civil, mechanical, and environmental engineers. At the University of Southern Maine, the Applied Science, Engineering and Technology program confers bachelor's and master's degrees.

At Central Maine Community College in Auburn, architectural and civil engineering technician, building construction technician, and mechanical engineering technician courses are offered. Civil engineering technician and building construction technician courses are also offered at Eastern Maine Community College in Banger while computer-aided design and pulp and paper technology are offered at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield. A boatbuilding curriculum is offered at the Calais campus of Washington County Community College and computer-aided design is offered at York City Community College in Wells. The Landing School, a private full-time vocational school, also offers composites training.

Excerpted from Composite Case Study by Policy One Research, March 2007