Transport Canada certifies Aircraft Maintenance Tech
By Maria Driscoll
Transport Canada has given its stamp of approval to the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program offered at Holland College's Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre.
"This is a very special day for us," Howard Sheppard, Manager of the Aerospace Centre, said during a reception held recently at the Slemon Park location to mark the occasion. "For our graduates, approval means that they will now be able to write national exams to become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer after graduating from the two-year course. What our students are learning in the classroom/hangar is now accredited 19 months toward the 48- month training and experience requirement for licencing."
Sheppard went on to say that accreditation by the government agency is the end result of a thorough process that examined every area of the course's operation. Sheppard thanked both students and staff for their contribution in winning the seal of approval.
Late last year, the College received accreditation from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC) for the Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Repair and Overhaul course that is offered at the Centre.
"For the students, being in a nationally accredited program improves their chances of obtaining employment," said Dr. Brian McMillan, Executive Director of Program Operations for Holland College. "It is also a recognition of the excellent training that is being provided by the staff."
Both McMillan and Sheppard said one of the major keys to the success of the aerospace training is the close relationship the College enjoys with the industry. In fact, the major players in the province's growing aerospace sector are the College's next door neighbors and many of the course graduates find employment just down the block. The aerospace industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the North American economy, and Sheppard said College graduates are making their mark all over Canada and the United States.
"It is a special honour for me to be here," said Claude Daigle of Transport Canada, who presented the accreditation certificate to Sheppard. "I know this is the culmination of a good deal of hard work by College staff and students."
Education Minister Chester Gillan said the fact the Aerospace Centre can now boast of two nationally accredited programs "speaks volumes" about the training that is offered. He said the achievement is rendered all the more impressive by the fact the Centre is still a relatively new player in the field of aerospace training.
A two-year program, Aircraft Maintenance Technology covers all aspects of aircraft maintenance including the airframe, power plant, electrical and electronic equipment, aircraft systems and Transport Canada regulatory requirements.
For more information about this release, please contact: Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Monday, April 10, 2000
