Composites center gets federal training dollars

The National Composite Center has received federal stimulus money for a composite materials training program, officials with the center said Friday, Nov. 6.

The money will build a program for selected displaced workers as well as employees of private companies, said Lisa Novelli, the center’s president and chief executive.

“We actually perceive this as a permanent training program,” Novelli said.

The company declined to disclose how much stimulus money it received.

NCC — a public-private research and development organization — has composite technologies under one roof at its 2000 Composite Drive center in Kettering, with some $40 million of equipment, noted Lynn Stanley, a spokeswoman for the center.

“We’re going to literally write a course curriculum, and we’re also going to provide true hands-on training with all this equipment,” Stanley said.

Novelli expects the University of Dayton Research Institute to provide technical expertise, as well, although the NCC will do most of the training, she said. Montgomery County and Sinclair Community College’s Workforce Development Group will help select displaced workers for the program, both women said.

“They’ll provide the trainees to us,” Novelli said.

“There’s long been a need for training in composite technology,” Stanley said.

There will be two levels of training, both women said. The first level will be an introduction, held Jan. 15-Feb. 5, with 50 students. That course will cover basic composite theories, terminology, technology and materials.

A second level will be scheduled for Feb. 15-March 19, covering more advanced territory.

Novelli expects another round of training after March 19, with the course beginning again in June.

If you’re interested in applying for training, Novelli suggested contacting the Montgomery County Job Center at (937) 225-5627.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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