CAREERS
IN AVIATION 2013

Positive indicators in several KEY markets could mean
opportunities for those searching for aviation careers

By David Carr

If you’re thinking of a career in aviation, here’s some handy advice: think checklist. Canada has one of the most dynamic and diverse aviation and air transport industries in the world, including a rebounding airline sector, strong corporate aviation prospects, the second largest helicopter fleet in the world, and Montreal; which represents the third largest cluster of aero-space jobs in the world.

The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) estimates that more than 80,000 Canadians are employed by more than 400 aerospace firms across the country. And while many basic aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) functions have peeled away to lower-wage countries, Canada remains strong in higher end and more sophisticated MRO.

In the most recent downturn, equipment manufacturers and repair and overhaul shops were able to stem the full impact of the skills shortage by holding onto older workers whose retirement plans were also put on hold by the same fiscal crisis. They will not be able to continue pulling at that thread for much longer.

This adds up to strong demand for hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals to keep the airplanes flying and maintain Canada’s position as a leading global manufacturer and exporter of aircraft engines, flight simulators and components.

For those who have landed on the idea of a career in aviation – along with those who are still weighing career options or even considering a mid-career reboot – it’s a case of choices and choosing. Hence the need for a checklist. And while the jobs are available or will be opening up in the near future, aviation is a more complex industry now than when the pilots getting ready to exit the cockpit or the maintenance technician putting down the tools first joined. Flight school on its own may no longer be sufficient, and that pilot licence may need to be linked with a college degree or university diploma.

Fortunately, Canada’s training programs are just as diverse. The country’s flight schools, colleges and universities offer excellent programs to help chart a course along one of the hundreds of career paths available, both in the air and on the ground at airports, in air traffic control or with one of the major equipment manufacturers.

In starting your career options, consider what job in aviation best matches your skill potential and ambition and map out your approach from there. Talk to professionals in your chosen field. These interactions will be invaluable to your pursuit, and don’t be afraid to approach industry professionals in all fields – they were in your shoes once, too, and are more than happy to share their expe- riences and insights.

Industry associations such as the Canadian Business Aviation Association, the Helicopter Association of Canada and the Air Transport Association of Canada are also excellent sources for information and career guidance.

Research what education and licensing requirements will give you a competitive edge and which training schools offer the courses and programs you will need. Don’t be shy about looking out of province and don’t forget to consider costs. Learning to fly, for example, is very expensive and not all schools help to arrange financing.

Valuable information on education, training and job prospects is available here in Wings Careers in Aviation 2013, your one- stop resource to launch a rewarding career in aviation.