Fiberglass Laminator

Your Fit

Income

$40K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-0.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Fiberglass Laminator?

Fiberglass Laminators are skilled workers who specialize in creating and repairing products made of fiberglass, such as boat hulls, automotive components, and industrial tanks. They use various techniques to mold and shape fiberglass materials into final products or components.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Fiberglass Laminator.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Fiberglass Laminator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$37K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.86K below the national average.

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What does a Fiberglass Laminator do?

Work environment

Fiberglass Laminators typically work in manufacturing settings, such as factories or workshops. The environment can be noisy and may involve exposure to materials that require safety precautions. They often work with large pieces of equipment and may spend much of the day standing or moving around.

Quick task list

Cuts and shapes fiberglass sheets or mats to specified dimensions.
Applies resin to fiberglass materials and bonds layers together.
Uses molds to form fiberglass into desired shapes.
Trims, sands, and smooths finished products.
Inspects and repairs damaged fiberglass materials.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Marine Fiberglass Laminating: Specializing in the creation and repair of boats and other marine vehicles.
Automotive Fiberglass Fabrication: Focusing on fiberglass components for automobiles, including body parts.
Industrial Fiberglass Molding: Producing large fiberglass items for industrial use, such as storage tanks or ducts.
Custom Fiberglass Work: Crafting unique or specialized fiberglass products, often for individual clients or small-scale projects.

Description

Fiberglass Laminators play a crucial role in the manufacturing of a wide range of products. Their work requires a combination of precision, skill, and creativity. Laminators must be adept at interpreting design plans and specifications to create accurate and high-quality products. The process involves measuring and cutting fiberglass materials, applying resins and hardeners, and using various tools and techniques to mold and finish the product.

Attention to detail is essential in this occupation, as is the ability to work with various tools and machinery. Fiberglass Laminators must also have a good understanding of safety practices due to the materials and chemicals involved in the process. The work can be physically demanding, often requiring standing for long periods and some heavy lifting.

Staying up-to-date with new materials and techniques is important in this field. Many Laminators take pride in their craftsmanship and the ability to create durable, high-quality products used in various industries.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The hands-on nature of the work and seeing tangible results.
The opportunity to work on a variety of projects and products.
The skill and craftsmanship involved in producing high-quality fiberglass products.

You might make a good Fiberglass Laminator if you are...

Skilled with your hands and enjoy detailed, craft-based work.
Able to follow instructions precisely and pay attention to detail.
Interested in working with materials and learning new fabrication techniques.
Comfortable with physical work and standing for extended periods.
Conscious of safety and willing to adhere to safety protocols.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in various industries such as automotive, marine, and construction, offering diverse work experiences.
Hands-on work that can be satisfying for those who enjoy crafting and building tangible products.
Skill development in a specialized area that can lead to opportunities for career progression.
The creative aspect of designing and customizing fiberglass products.

Cons:

The work can be physically demanding and may involve exposure to chemicals and fumes, requiring proper safety precautions.
Repetitive tasks and the need for precision can be challenging and monotonous for some individuals.
Working environments may vary, and some settings might be noisy or dusty.
Depending on the industry, there might be fluctuations in demand for fiberglass products, affecting job stability.

How to become a Fiberglass Laminator

Typical education

Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Technical knowledge and skills are often acquired through on-the-job training. Some workers may pursue vocational training or certification in fiberglass technology or a related field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in materials technology to gain foundational skills.
Chemistry to understand the properties of materials like resins and fiberglass.
Art or design courses to develop a sense of aesthetics and design, useful in custom fabrication.
Mathematics for measurements and calculations involved in fabrications.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a makers club or workshop where you can work on hands-on projects.
Participating in art or crafting activities to enhance creativity and manual dexterity.
Volunteering or interning in manufacturing settings or companies that specialize in fiberglass products.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a vocational or technical school that offers courses in composite materials or fiberglass technology.
Seek apprenticeships or entry-level positions in industries that use fiberglass laminating, such as boat building or automotive manufacturing.
Pursue certifications in specialized areas like composite fabrication or materials handling.
Gain experience with different types of laminating techniques and materials.

More resources

American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) - Offers education, certifications, and resources related to composite materials.
CompositesLab - Provides comprehensive information about composite materials and their applications.
International Cast Polymer Association (ICPA) - A resource for those in the cast polymer industry, which includes work with fiberglass.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Composites - Offers safety guidelines and resources for working with composite materials like fiberglass.

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