8 March 2011
Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
College of the North Atlantic is enhancing aviation training at its campus in Gander, N.L., thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada that will see the college move forward with international certification of its Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Technician (AMET) program.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, made the funding announcement today.
"We are pleased to support the development of growing sectors such as the aerospace industry, which are helping to create jobs and build a stronger economy in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Ashfield. "This investment will position the College as a North American leader in aviation training, enhance the employment potential of graduates, and contribute to economic growth in the region's aerospace industry."
Through an international training partnership between CNA and Lufthansa Technical Training based in Frankfurt, Germany, program graduates will be able to obtain professional certification through the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in addition to the Transport Canada and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) certification currently offered by the college. By completing an additional semester of training, program graduates can become certified to service European registered aircraft, increasing their job mobility and marketability.
"Canada's aerospace industry is world class, which is why I'm so pleased that our Government is helping a new generation of aerospace professionals to reach new heights beyond our borders," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador. "Today's announcement opens up a whole new set of opportunities to Gander's College of the North Atlantic, and to budding aerospace workers in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada."
ACOA support for the initiative will be used to purchase curriculum and equipment required for the specialized training.
"The college prides itself on meeting the needs of industry, and the ability of our faculty and staff to respond to these needs is second to none," said Bruce Hollett, President of College of the North Atlantic. "The support shown to the college, through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund, enables us to purchase curriculum and equipment necessary to offer European Aviation Safety Agency certification through our AMET program. This added certification will provide our graduates with the ability to qualify for aircraft maintenance licenses that are recognized in some 35 countries, increasing their employability and the value that they bring to the industry. We are excited about the possibilities this announcement holds for the future workforce of the aerospace and defense sector."
The Government of Canada is providing $500,000 to College of the North Atlantic through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The initiative will be implemented over two years, with full EASA approval of the AMET program in fall 2012.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield today announced funding for College of the North Atlantic, to enhance aviation training at its campus in Gander, N.L. The investment will allow graduates of the Aviation Maintenance and Engineering Technician program to become certified through the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in addition to the Transport Canada and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) certification currently offered by the college. The initiative will enhance the employability of graduates while contributing to economic growth in the region's aerospace industry.
EASA training is being offered through a partnership between College of the North Atlantic and Lufthansa Technical Training of Frankfurt, Germany. ACOA is providing $500,000 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) toward the purchase of curriculum and equipment required for the specialized training.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2935
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca
