For three weeks, Canadore College’s aviation campus in North Bay has hosted air cadets from across Canada for an intensive aircraft maintenance training program. The initiative marks the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the college has renewed its collaboration with the Department of National Defence to deliver the Summer Cadet Aviation Program. College faculty have led the instruction, providing 20 cadets with comprehensive training in airplane structures, systems, standard maintenance procedures, inspections and skilled trades. Cadets experience simulator training Flight Sergeant Phoenix Graham with the 299 Yarmouth Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron from Nova Scotia and Second Class Warrant Officer Ender Giroux with the 58 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron from Kingston, Ont., were in the cockpit Friday morning, hands on the controls of an aircraft simulator. “It’s been a great experience to use those because myself, I’ve never done anything piloting wise except for just the theory, the ground school,” Giroux said. The cadets have been learning the intricacies of aircraft systems and standard safety maintenance throughout their three-week stay at the Aviation Avenue campus. Training opens career pathways The hands-on nature of the program has influenced cadets’ career aspirations, with Graham noting the practical applications extend far beyond the classroom. “All of that is really useful to pretty much any career in aviation,” Graham said. “This course has made me really start considering coming here for college. There are a whole lot of interesting stuff with the trades.” As a designated military connected college, Canadore told CTV News it is committed to supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces, their families, veterans and youth programs that help develop skilled professionals. The training cadets receive is transferrable, with opportunities available in technical trades and apprenticeship programs across the aviation sector. Lianne Girard, Chair of Canadore College’s School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology, highlighted the significance of the program for young people interested in the field. “It’s a great time to be young and have a passion and interest in aviation,” Girard said. “The need for aircraft engineers is extremely high.” Officials express hope for future recruitment The program has provided cadets with exposure to various aspects of aircraft maintenance, from theory to practical application. Giroux described one session that expanded his understanding of aircraft systems. “Yesterday we learned a lot about avionics, which is the electricity components and what different instruments do, how they work and how that affects the aircraft,” Giroux said. “We’re hoping that our team motivated and inspired the air cadets to pursue really interesting careers that will contribute to the Team Canada strong initiative,” Girard added. For Giroux, whose interest in aviation has been longstanding, the experience has reinforced his career direction. “I’ve been interested in aviation for a long while,” Giroux said. “I knew that I wanted to do something with planes.”
