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Education. In the Fall of 2007, the Institute offered a new class, PT101, Introduction to Polymers and Reinforced Plastics. PT101 provides students with an introduction to polymers and reinforced plastics and the way it is used by industry. The class offers an exciting and informative curriculum that utilizes classroom teaching, hands-on training and demonstration of testing and research with state-of-the-art equipment and lab facilities. Students have first-hand experience learning from Dyksterhouse and our trained composites technicians. In 2008, our goal is to advance training to the next level. We are dedicated to providing excellence in academic and technical education and through our Institute, will provide a unique and valuable forum for students, engineers, scientists, designers, businessman and academicians to grow together.
The Institute is currently developing a two-year associate’s degree and certificate program in thermoplastic composites which will benefit students, the workforce and our customers. Planning is also under way to develop articulation agreements with four-year universities including Ferris State University (www.ferris.edu) and Michigan Technological University (www.mtu.edu). If you are a new student, current student, member of the workforce, or potential customer, the Institute is designed to provide the education necessary to advance your career and afford you with an opportunity to be part of an innovative future. Industry data shows that U.S. plastics is the nation’s fourth-largest manufacturing sector; it provides more than 1.5 million jobs and contributes over $320 billion in annual shipments. (www.plasticsindustry.org/business). It is our belief with global warming concerns that plastics could move to the largest manufacturing sector.
We are enthusiastic about the future of thermoplastic composite technology and our advanced material solutions. According to Ferris State University, the placement rate for graduates with a degree in plastics technology is 100% (www.ferris.edu.2006) and these statistics are affirmed by MTU. BMCC and the Institute are working towards an academic and technical support agreement as an academic/research partner with MTU (www.mtu.edu). BMCC believes by partnering with MTU and sharing information and testing results, the Institute has the technology to create change: in our industry, in our communities, and in our world. We look forward to staying on the cutting edge of this technology and improving the future and encourage you to become part of our composites team!
We are providing the following educational links for your convenience. These renowned societies, organizations, and publications will lead us through the polymers and reinforced plastics industry.
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