apprenticeship aircraft mechanics

industries · Post by **industries** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:51 am

I would like to start an apprenticeship in aircraft mechanics and was wondering if anyone new of companys willing to hire in the Greater Toronto Area.

Any leads would be very helpful.

benchmark · Post by **benchmark** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 4:46 pm

have you started or finished school yet?

twotter · Post by **twotter** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 4:14 am

You don't necessarily need to go to school for it, some of my best apprentices never went to one of the "approved schools" and I would trust them more than most who have.

Show your mechanical skills, let people know that you've screwed with this and that. It all helps.

Good luck.

hangarline · Post by **hangarline** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:39 am

Sorry"twotter", I disagree with you. While you are correct that "school" doesn't neccessarily make you into an AME, the basic training course is a requirement for this trade. Where you obtain this training is a personal choice. Reference Airworthiness Notice C002 on this subject. I'm pretty sure that "industries" will not find a reputable company willing to hire him as an apprentice without the course.

industries · Post by **industries** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:17 am

So what you are saying is that I need pre-apprentice schooling?
I thought that when you are registered to an apprenticeship, a % of time is inclass for theory and is a requirement to write for Cert. or Lic.

Talking with Skills Canada they stated that I need to find an employer that will hire me before I can register for an apprenticeship.

But your stating that schooling in Aircraft Mechanics is a prerequisite to an apprenticeship.

If someone that has experienced this process could help, I would appreciate it very much.

tiggermoth · Post by **tiggermoth** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:43 am

Hello industries, here is what you need to know.

The aviation industry in somewhat different from all others. Transport Canada is the governing body for all things flying. They have reqiurements that must be met before you can be granted an aircaft maintenance engineers licence. One is that you have completed a basic training course, and the required amount of apprenticeship time. Theis apprentice time is a bit different than, say, a heavy duty mechanic as there is the specific time required, and a number of tasks that must be in a logbook. Also none of the apprentice time is taken in class, as you had asked about, that is where the basic training portion comes in. The other difference is you don't really "register" as an apprentice to anyone like you would in other trades. Everything is done through Transport Canada.

For more information, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca, that is TC's website, from there go into the AIR section and find the Canadian Aviation Regulations and read chapter 566. in there is all the requirements.

Also on TC's website, but it is hard to find is a list of all approved training organizations. What could be easier is go to your airport, find a maintenance shop and ask on of the engineers where a nearby AME school is. Then you could go there and talk to the instructors.

I sure hope this helps you, and good luck in your future. It is a long road but well worth it.

hangarline · Post by **hangarline** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:15 am

While you are on the TC site, go to "Airworthiness Notices" and look up C002. It will tell you what approved training courses are available. Some of them accredit the course itself toward total time required, some don't. Yes, a basic course is a prereqisite for apprenticeship as an AME. Hope this helps.

ramp_rat · Post by **ramp_rat** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:40 pm

My company won't even hire ya as an apprentice without going to an approved training organization(schools regulated by Transport Canada). Maybe it's all about the insurance stuff. Even Air Canada Jazz, will not hire ya too, I dunno about the others!!

roscoe · Post by **roscoe** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 3:50 pm

Part of the problem with this trade is the fact that "Aircraft Mechanic", or any other iteration you want to use, is not recognised or listed as a "Skilled Trade", unlike auto mechanic, HVAC technician, heavy duty mechanic etc. Thus, "appreticship" is a minomer, as there is no registered appreticship program for "Aircraft Maintenance Technician" in any Province, as far as I know. Attempts were made in the '70s to establish national appreticeship program requirements, but as education and the provision of same rests solely in the hands of the individual provinces, and so no agreement was possible, as all provincial representatives feared erosion of their kingdoms..

rotorhead350 · Post by **rotorhead350** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:18 pm

Stevenson Aviation Technical Training Centre in Manitoba in conjunction with Red River College (http://www.rrc.mb.ca). Find someone that will take you on as an apprentice and then all you have to do is register with them and you will then have to do 9 weeks of school every year over 4 years and the rest of the time is on the job training. The government picks up all of your tuition every year with the exeption of $225, and you also get EI when in school. I did the program before and we just hired a guy who is just finishing registering in the program............rh350

industries · Post by **industries** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:54 pm

Thank you everyone for your input and info.

I guess the best thing right now is to talk with a mechanic at CYYZ and get some feedback regarding what the min. the companies are hiring at.
Also to see what schools in the GTA will give me the "foot in the door" training.

Transport Canada's website has a # for a local office, I'll be giving them a call also.

Thanks again to all for the help.