Composite laminator

The missions of the composite laminator

The composite laminator's job is specialised in the construction of pleasure boats using composite materials. The laminator repairs and manufactures parts using multiple processes and composite materials (infusion, injection, infujection, contact lamination, etc.).

My job consists of preparing and assembling Lagoon boats. I visited the company through Pôle Emploi on a one-day open day, at the end of which they offered us training to join the CNB teams — I went for it, and it suited me perfectly. Laura, composite laminator.

Working with his/her team, the composite laminator produces, from moulds and raw materials, the various parts required for the construction of hulls, decks and other components of pleasure boats.

After applying gel coat to the mould, the composite laminator proceeds with the dry lay-up of the mould using various fibreglass fabrics. He/she installs the infusion networks, prepares the vacuum bag, places it under vacuum and carries out checks throughout the infusion process. His/her work also involves demoulding the produced parts, assembling and bonding structures, maintaining the moulds and producing parts by contact lamination.

Initial training and apprenticeship

Many specialised training programmes in the nautical sector provide a pathway into working with composite materials. These programmes are accessible from CAP level through to Bac+5, either as initial training or as an apprenticeship, through a traditional academic route (including a work placement period), a contrat d'apprentissage (ages 16 to 30), or a contrat de professionnalisation (from age 16, no upper age limit) for a fixed or indefinite term.

To find the training centre best suited to your profile, project or level, you can contact the Campus des métiers du nautisme des Pays de Loire or Occitanie, or Orientation pour tous for training in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Career change

If you are looking to retrain, change career and work in the nautical industry as a composite laminator, the Bénéteau Group offers 10-week training programmes prior to recruitment, reserved for jobseekers. The training is remunerated and funded by our employment partners (Pôle Emploi, Adecco, Manpower, Partnaire, Randstad, Synergie and Transparence RH).

Career development

Within the Bénéteau Group, the composite laminator can progress by specialising in composite trades, developing additional skills in injection or infusion processes. He/she can also take on greater responsibilities and lead teams with the professional title of laminator, or train new recruits joining the workshop.