4th Aviation Day at Confederation College
by Scott A. Sumner
Confederation College held Aviation Day, an annual event that brings aviation industry partners together with students from the College's Aviation – Flight Management and Aviation Technician programs. The event provided an opportunity for students to connect with employers, explore career pathways, and learn about opportunities in Canada's aviation sector.
Employers from across the industry were on site to meet with students, discuss career opportunities, and highlight work force needs in aviation.
I asked Matt Bunn, Associate Dean of Aviation in the School of Aviation at Confederation College some questions.
What is Aviation Day all about?
“ We are having our 4th Annual Aviation Day that we open up to industry to come in and meet with our students, some soon to be graduates. We also have a open house portion where we invite members of the community to come out and learn more about careers in aviation and the jobs available and the pathways they can choose to get there.”
“ We have two programs here - Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Technician where graduates earn 21 months towards the 48 months they need to get there AME license. Also Aviation Flight Management program where students graduate with a commercial pilots license where they can use that to get to be a pilot.” “ This year we have 25 employers coming that are actively hiring as well as three not for profits and some college departments. “
How are the employment opportunities for your graduates?
“ The employment opportunities are excellent- there is a current pilot and AME shortage in Canada and word wide. Our graduates don't have any trouble getting jobs. Some of the companies are also hiring general aviation positions like ground handlers, fuelers and flight dispatchers and followers so there are many opportunities.We graduate anywhere from to 60 to 80 students per year.”
“ I am an alumni of both programs here and it is great to see our alumni come back for this day. Our college offers a smaller program compared to other colleges, but that allows us to offer more hands on personalized approach. We are proud of our graduates.Our students are from all over the province and outside.This event is a signal to me of the shortage of pilots and mechanics. All these employers here speaks volumes to where we are at and the great relationships we have with the industry.”
Dave Butler, Director of Non revenue Flight Operations at Air Canada.
“ At the Aviation Day we are here to represent Air Canada. We feel the northern communities are a huge requirement to support aviation in Canada. As Air Canada,one of the major airlines, we are here to help the younger generation find a pathway for their careers. We are here to pass on what we are looking for and offering possible pathways to get there. This is a great career and this company is fabulous.”
“ I love what I do, starting with college in Sault Ste Marie and then I flew out of Thompson and Rankin Inlet and all through Ontario. In the end I have been at Air Canada with 29 years and a total of 35 years flying. Today I fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, my favourite aircraft. I love the technology and thought put into the design of it which is an aircraft well north of a $100 million.”
Charles Guillemette , Aviation Flight Management 2nd year from Moonbeam, Ontario near Timmins.
“ Aviation was always a background idea for me and I decided to do this program. The program here is great, probably the best in Canada. I think more people should consider aviation not just flying, but air traffic control and maintenance as well.”
“ I would love to fly float planes.Calm Air and Perimeter answered all of my questions well today.”
Riddhi Patel, Aviation Technician 2 nd year about to graduate from India
“ Today I am talking to the employers that are here and what type of work they do. The college is supporting us well. I think maintenance is underrated compared to say pilots as less people know what we do. This is a great course. I want to get a fulltime job where I can use my skills and gain experience.”
