Mar 18, 2025

For as long as I can remember, we’ve been talking about the fact that the industry has a significant shortage of Marine Technicians, but we never talk about Composites Techs. Is that because we have enough people who know how to work with composites? I have a feeling that we don’t.

I did a quick survey of my own, contacting a couple of key companies in the industry and Rob Davidson at Georgian College, plus some now retired, marine composites technicians. I asked if we had enough people to meet the demand and every time, the response started with a laugh. No, we certainly do not! That was the answer I got, time after time. Perhaps more significantly, I was not aware of a clear path to composites training in this part of Canada that is geared to the costs and time availability of people who are already in the marine business. Then I learned about ACT, (Advanced Composites Training) which is a highly specialized technical training service in London, Ontario.

I realize that top marinas either have composites people on staff, or have relationships with composites repair facilities in their area, but it sounds like even those resources are in short supply.

What is not in short supply are damaged boats; dock rash, minor collision and more significant damage are all pretty common. Settling insurance claims is another aspect of our business and so are modifications to existing boats.

When I think of fiberglass, I think of boats because I’m a boat guy, but composites are big in aviation, automotive and a host of other industrial areas. So, when I learned of the Advanced Composites Training that was offered in London, Ontario, I went to their website and had a closer look. (https://advancedcompositestraining.ca).

The courses are typically one week long and very intense but Wilson Boynton, the lead instructor spoke to me in person and assured me that the Module One program, Composites Materials, Fabrication and Damage Repair would be packed with valuable information and resources. After giving this long and careful consideration, I decided to sign myself up.

Have a look at the website and consider how this could benefit you and your business. Perhaps I’ll see you there!

Andy Adams – Editor