Students with an interest in aviation have a new opportunity to turn their passion into a profession.
Okanagan College will offer an information session on two of its upcoming programs – Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Structures and Maintenance (AME-S and AME-M) – on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Kelowna Aerospace campus.
Both AME programs will begin new intakes in February and both combine classroom training with hands-on experience that prepares students for careers in the growing aviation industry.
Prospective students can expect to find detailed program information as well as hear about potential job opportunities in the field of aviation. Instructors will also be on site to answer questions about the programs.
One of the program’s partners and a local employer, Kelowna Flightcraft, will open its doors to offer prospective students a tour of its operations. With more than 900 employees, Flightcraft is a prime example of the industry demand – the local company hires dozens of new mechanics annually.
“The job market outlook seems very positive at this time,” said Murray Palmer, an AME instructor. “More than half of the class of 16 students are being recruited for positions locally and there is a considerable amount of interest being shown to students who are wanting to relocate to other areas of the province.”
“Graduates of the AME programs are experiencing the best job market prospects in recent years,” said instructor Dale Martell. “The retirement of the Baby Boomer generation, combined with the expansion of the industry, has created a large list of apprentice job postings. Graduates are finding employment locally, nationally and internationally in all aspects of the industry from helicopters to small and large air carriers.”
For more information, contact Rob Kjarsgaard at 250-503-2670 or email rkjarsgaard@okanagan.bc.ca.
