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The Marine Trades Institute recently hosted a successful hands-on technical workshop in partnership with Superior Industrial Solutions. 

The multi-day session in January saw Superior Industrial Solutions representatives Chad Kuipers and Joe Hartley visit MTI’s campus in Cedarville to provide students with specialized training in mold repair and vacuum infusion preparation.

According to a school announcement, the workshop offered students a unique opportunity to engage with professional-grade materials, including fiberglass, vinyl ester resins and structural putties. Students performed a comprehensive restoration of a boat mold with guidance from the Superior Industrial Solutions team. Throughout this process, students also learned the critical science behind the craft, including proper resin and catalyst mixing and the vital importance of monitoring ambient temperature for effective curing.

“We are incredibly thankful for industry partnerships like the one we share with Superior Industrial Solutions,” said Eric Renshaw, lead instructor in the Boat Building program, in the announcement. “These collaborations ensure our students graduate with the specific, high-demand skills that the marine industry requires.”

Kuipers and Hartley are expected to return to MTI this month for the next phase of training, when the class will build a canoe using the mold they prepared during the January workshop.