Air Canada has unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting students pursuing studies as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). This initiative involves an agreement with seven colleges nationwide to offer financial assistance to students who self-identify as women or visible minorities, aiming to increase diversity in this field.
Under this program, one student from each participating college will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship to help cover their education expenses related to becoming AMEs. Additionally, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to undertake work placements at Air Canada Maintenance. The agreement with the colleges spans three years initially.
Joshua Vanderveen, Vice President of Maintenance at Air Canada, expressed the airline’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AMEs and highlighted the importance of supporting under-represented students in pursuing careers in this dynamic STEM field. He emphasized the need for highly skilled individuals with technical expertise and problem-solving abilities to meet the demands of modern commercial aircraft.
The scholarships will benefit students enrolled in AME programs at prominent institutions including the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), École Nationale d’Aérotechnique, Centennial College, Fanshawe College, Canadore College, Mohawk College, and Northern Lights College. The first batch of scholarships is scheduled to be awarded later in 2024.
Overall, this initiative underscores Air Canada’s dedication to fostering diversity and excellence in the aviation industry, while providing valuable opportunities for aspiring AMEs to gain hands-on experience and pursue rewarding careers in aircraft maintenance.
About Air Canada: Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and the country’s flag carrier, serving over 180 airports across six continents. As a founding member of Star Alliance, Air Canada is part of the world’s most extensive air transportation network. With a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, Air Canada provides scheduled services domestically and internationally. The airline’s Aeroplan program offers a premier travel loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points across a vast network of airline and non-airline partners. Air Canada Cargo provides air freight services to destinations worldwide. Committed to sustainability, Air Canada aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The company’s shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.
Air Canada Website: aircanada.com/media