As a composite tradesperson, you’ll be at the forefront of modern manufacturing, creating and assembling products using state-of-the-art composite materials such as carbon fibres, fibreglass, resins, and aramids. Your role will involve interpreting technical drawings and bringing them to life through precise mixing, layering, curing, and bonding techniques.
A composite tradesperson has the opportunity to create a diverse range of products across multiple industries. In aerospace, they might work on aircraft components and satellite structures. The automotive sector involves crafting car body panels and racing car chassis. Marine industry applications include boat hulls and yacht masts. Sports equipment like tennis racquets and bicycle frames are also common. In construction, they could produce bridge components and reinforcement bars. The energy sector requires wind turbine blades and pipeline reinforcements. Medical applications involve prosthetic limbs and orthopaedic implants. Consumer goods range from high-end luggage to musical instruments. The defence industry utilises composites for body armour and vehicle panels. Even the electronics sector benefits from composite materials in smartphone casings and antenna components. This wide array of applications showcases the versatility and importance of composite materials in modern manufacturing
A typical day as a composite tradesperson might involve preparing moulds, mixing resins, and laying up composite materials. You could start your morning by reviewing technical drawings and preparing your workstation. Throughout the day, you might operate specialised equipment such as autoclaves, vacuum bagging systems, and spray guns. You’ll likely use hand tools like sanders, cutters, and measuring devices, as well as more advanced tools like infrared thermometers and ultrasonic testing equipment. Safety gear, including respirators, protective suits, and gloves, will be essential as you work with potentially hazardous materials. Your afternoon might be spent inspecting finished products, making necessary adjustments, or repairing damaged composite structures.
Composite tradespersons can also produce industrial products such as pipes at scale, and custom structural components.