IYRS gets federal funding for composites technology program
By IBI Magazine
US Senator Jack Reed yesterday announced that the International Yacht Restoration School secured US$500,000 to establish its Composites Technology Program. Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee from Rhode Island, was able to earmark the funds for IYRS, which is based in Newport, Rhode Island. "The boating industry employs thousands of Rhode Islanders, and we have an opportunity to help businesses grow and create more jobs right here in the state," said Reed, in a statement. "This federal funding will help train more marine workers and give them hands-on experience, not just in building boats, but in working with new, green technology. Investing in this program will help us build a more competitive workforce and fuel future economic growth." The composites program will train technicians for skills that are seen as central to the state's economic development. The IYRS Composites Technology Program is targeted to meet the needs of the marine industry, but graduates will have a choice of career paths since the high strength-to-weight ratio of composite materials pioneered by boat builders is now in demand by many industries. IYRS officials say the program is the first of its kind. "Workforce development is a key component to re-energizing Rhode Island's economy," said Keith Stokes, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. "IYRS' composites program will provide students with the necessary skill sets needed to succeed in the diversified industries we have in the Ocean State including marine trades, manufacturing and wind energy." According to the American Composites Manufacturers Association, in the U.S. alone the composites industry employs about 550,000 people and generates almost US$70 billion in annual revenues. IYRS formed an Industry Advisory Council with a broad range of expertise in the marine industry, the composites industry, and general business in order to create the program.
(16 March 2010)
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