A hands-free method and related apparatus are used to shape, place and compact a composite stringer on a composite skin of an aircraft. A composite charge is placed on a tool assembly that used to shape the charge into a preformed stringer. With the stringer held on the tool assembly, the tool assembly is used to move the preformed stringer into proximity with the skin and both place and compact the stringer against the skin. Following compaction of the stringer, the tool assembly is removed and the skin and the stringer are co-cured.