Now I got accreditation from TC. What do I do with it?

[CentCollStud1234]

Hi:

I graduated from aviation maintenance and got accreditation. What can I really do with it?
I know that you can deduct time on your apprentice period. However, what will happen if I cannot find an AME apprentice job.
Is it really useless? Can I convert it to A&P?

Anyone had worked in the USA right out of TC accredited college? Is accreditation ever useful in the USA?
Can Canadian apprentice work in the USA? Visa issue?

[Heliian]

Send it back to centennial and ask them. You will need that cert to prove your time to TC, they really should have taught you about the system. If they didn't, they failed the requirements which is not surprising as they do have the worst reputation in Ontario, maybe even Canada. As far as going to the U.s.a., you will need visas and the lot but your cert will be a token, not really worth much.

[CID]

Hate to be "that guy" but these sound like questions to be asked BEFORE you enter an AME program. What were your expectations when entered the program?

[dashx]

What can I really do with it?

Get your resume together and start sending it out. Avcanada has postings. Even if it says they are looking for lic. AME's it may be worthwhile to send a letter and resume to the company. Go to company websites (AC Westjet Air Georgian Jazz Skyservice Sunwing Trans Capital Air Porter Canjet Air Transat KF Aero (Kelowna Flightcraft) Innotech Execaire etc etc..(north end Pearson) if you want to work in Toronto Hamilton Buttonville area.

Centennial should be able to provide you job leads. Have spoken to anyone there after you graduated in this regard?

I know that you can deduct time on your apprentice period.

18 months credit so you need to work the difference (2.5 years full time 40 hrs/week) before you get your lic. Provided you pass your CARs exam.

However, what will happen if I cannot find an AME apprentice job.

That will depend on you and the job market. Right now you should be able to get something. It will (as always) be a low paying job. And if you can afford to go back to school after you fail to get a job in aviation there are lots of non aviation options. I hear pipe fitters, electricians, plumbers (you know skilled trades.......) make better money.....I don't even want to hear from the wind turbine people.....

Can I convert it to A&P?

You need to have your M lic (but I hear even E can do it) before you can apply for A&P lic. There is a procedure which includes meeting with an inspector in the US that needs to approve your application and then writing exams as well as doing the oral and practical tests. Or you could go to school in the US and graduate with an A&P.

I am assuming you are in your early twenties and can afford to this................

[Floatr]

Go get your AZ drivers license...lots of work available.!

and don't even bother with Jazz.......

[CentCollStud1234]

Thanks dashx and Floatr for providing positive feed back.
Others are not so helpful.

There is nothing wrong with Centennial College. Most teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful.
What I felt is so much negative energy from the Canadian aviation industry. Canadian AMEs are not helping others AMEs.
And they give out some bogus information to outsider.
If knowing there is no job prospect in this industry, would you people in this board not to glorify this career so much.
Giving young people false hope to enter this industry and tell them it is their own fault getting into this end. It is ashamed.
Just do the right thing and tell the truth. Oh my goodness.
And some of you AMEs suppose to protect the safety of all others on and around the airplanes?

It is irate to see some Canadian airlines fly to the USA for A-checks. I wouldn't call those airlines Canadian.

[chowda]

Did you graduate top of your class?

[Heliian]

There is nothing wrong with Centennial College. Most teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful.
What I felt is so much negative energy from the Canadian aviation industry. Canadian AMEs are not helping others AMEs.
And they give out some bogus information to outsider.

Ok chief, your problem lies with the airline industry and NOT the aviation industry. Centennial blew smoke up your ass about airline jobs, that's what they do best. You have to expand your horizons son, just look in the job postings and start applying to jobs OUTSIDE of toronto. There are less than 20,000 AME's in Canada and we usually help one another and need to bring young people into the ranks.

AGAIN: EXPAND PAST THE AIRLINES AND TORONTO, YOU WILL FIND A JOB. If you're not willing to do so then you will never get a start, never find work and never be an AME. Same goes for any career, if you don't want to start small, you'll never make it big. Dig?

[all_ramped_up]

Ok chief, your problem lies with the airline industry and NOT the aviation industry. Centennial blew smoke up your ass about airline jobs, that's what they do best. You have to expand your horizons son, just look in the job postings and start applying to jobs OUTSIDE of toronto. There are less than 20,000 AME's in Canada and we usually help one another and need to bring young people into the ranks.

AGAIN: EXPAND PAST THE AIRLINES AND TORONTO, YOU WILL FIND A JOB. If you're not willing to do so then you will never get a start, never find work and never be an AME. Same goes for any career, if you don't want to start small, you'll never make it big. Dig?

This!

I too just graduated and guess what? I got a job... Not with an Airline but a small operator in the middle of the Prairies. Three of my classmates hired in Fredericton, one in Moncton and one here in Halifax. Jobs are out there, you just need to put in the work to find one.

Look on the jobbank.gc.ca as I know Calm Air at least is looking for two Apprentices from a posting there. Pack your longjohns and have fun in Thompson!

[NeverBlue]

What can you do with it?

I was going to start a new thread but this is as good 'o place as any.

I'm a graduate from a Canadian College with a TC accreditation in Avionics Maintenace. I'm an AME "E". I've been working in the industry for almost 30 years.

I just got a raise yesterday and now make $117, 000 before overtime or bonus.

I've never worked for an airline.

....and I couldn't care less who believes it or not so TS, PR and anyone else save your breath.

Woohoo!!!!

[Troubleshot]

Yup, agree with NeverBlue...you simply can't go wrong in aviation. You'll have the good life soon, over a 100G's a year, vacation home, two SUV's, boat, etc...Just "pay your dues" and it will all come together.

I was stupid to walk away after 3 lay offs but don't let that sort of stuff scare you, real men pay their dues no matter what and then reap the rewards.

Don't let the fact that your first introduction into aviation was a lie...the rest of aviation is on the "up-and-up"...trust me....when your DOM looks you in the eye and tells you your job is safe...you can bank on that shit.

I could go on and on about this rock solid industry but I simply cannot put all the good stuff into words in such a small space.

Don't forget to check in again in 2-3 years and let us know how well you are doing. Always nice to hear all of the success stories!

Good Luck!

[NeverBlue]

Too easy...

[NeverBlue]

Hey CentStudent,

"There's positive people and there's negative people...there're people who are successfull in what they like doing and there're people that are unsuccessfull in what they think they like doing."

You can decide if there's a connection.

I love what I'm doing...

[CentCollStud1234]

First of all, thank you very much for positive comments (for most people).

Look outside of Toronto? That was exactly what I did 2 years ago. Even a little bit further.
I really saw how young aviation professionals are being treated inside and outside of Canada. And I know that I will not be treated fairly in Canadian aviation industry. It is expected. If you ask me what I expected, SH1Tango.

American government and FAA makes it easy (at least easier than Canada) for young aviation professionals to enter the field.
In USA, young people will get an A&P right out of their college. And they may upgrade to IA a few year down the road if you wish.
If young people cannot go for college, the hangar can issue them a certificate (I think it is called repairman certificate for certain tasks they do). There are many ways a person can get into aviation in the USA. Again, in the USA, government lease out former military bases to anyone who is willing to open up a maintenance facility at a very great rate (of almost nothing).

Outside USA and Canada, young aviation professionals are treated handsomely too.

Can anyone tell me what TC did to make our aviation industry prosperous? Can any one explain to me why Ontario raise up their aviation fuel tax a year or two ago. (Beside aviation) There was even a Toronto Sun article yesterday about how Ontario government contract out our ships building contracts to oversea instead of leaving it here in Ontario. And there are so many rumors of how TC regulations shutting down aviation industries and operators.

Thank you very much for those caring about me. I am fine. It is just the situation is much worse than I anticipated.
Many of my friends / classmates are so desperate and stressed. They are great persons in general and top of the class. Their piggy bank is broke and there is no job other than working in other industries. I met one guy who cannot even pay his TTC ticket now, how can you expect them to pay air ticket to Northern Quebec for an interview? One guy I knew graduated last year did flow to Calgary for interview (pay out of his own expense) and returned with nothing.
For those who still believe Canada is helping out their young aviation professionals, please stand up and say it to all those thousands who graduated this year and a few years ago. Yes, there are less than 20,000 AMEs in Canada. Didn't they say almost 70% of them are all over 40 years old. (just recently illustrated in the Air Maintenance Magazine) I think your definition of "young" is less than 50 years of age.

Hey Hellian: Did you graduate from Centennial College? How do you know so much about our college? Yes, there are teachers who I less appreciated than others. But they all did very well in general. I visited Canadore College before, their hangar is a bit nicer and their stuffs are a bit shinier than ours. But the courses and materials are all the same and they are approved by the same standard from TC. Look at the facts, I really don't see a big difference. I am very very happy form Centennial College. But thank you for sharing your opinion.

There is a time people told me that Algonquin College graduates will gets jobs and Centennial College grads will not. It is probably true, but don't you senior hiring persons realize Algonquin and Centennial College share the exact same second year courses, hangars and teachers (at least up until now).

Beside, nobody is able to tell what I can REALLY do with my accreditation. If the answer is nothing, tell me it is nothing. It doesn't seem any where else accept it (including Canadian AMOs). Yes, Canadian AMOs are always hiring apprentice, that is "experienced" apprentice. i.e. Technician with 4 years of experience.

Something is wrong here, my fellow AMEs.
If you asked me whether I am proud to be Canadian, (I have absolutely nothing to say as a young professional).
Let me ask you this before you reply: Will you let your son and daughter to become a Canadian AME?
(My answer: absolutely NO. But if I am rich and he/she has the passion, I will send them over to the states and get the A&P)

[Troubleshot]

Look man, I liked working on airplanes and I get it, telling people you fix airplanes is something to take pride in. but the jobs like neverblue says he has are few and far between so don't let his post get your hopes up.

The reality is the industry is behind the times in everyway. I have prospective, Neverblue does not. you've seen the writing already and you are just out of school so what does that tell you?

It is not the job itself, being an AME is a very respectful position...it is the industry that is in the toilet.

it not too late to take a different path.

[Pat Richard]

What he said /l\

Not at all surprised to hear your story, but just be thankful you haven't invested more than a few years.

The interview/pay your own airfare thing...I remember a jackass at voyaguer wanting me to do that years ago. Told him "No way." and he was offended. "Maybe you're not the type of guy were looking for." LOL. No, STEVE, I'm not a fukwit, keep looking. No way will I ever pay my own airfare to go to a aviation interview.

As for uses for your certificate...well....I can think of a few emergency situations where it would be handy to have an extra piece of paper handy...lol.

Anyway, cut your losses and move on, it's not getting better for most.

Very much the opposite.

[CentCollStud1234]

Thanks Troubleshot and Pat Richards. I will not give up aviation. I was lucky to get way well prepared to handle this SH1Tango before I started schooling. (I am really fine. For real. Thanks again.)

But not every students know what they are stepping into.


I remembered in a saying in "Walking Dead", it sort of say this:
If you fighting those zombies like the last day of your life, you will get prepared and live another day.
If you expect the opposite, you will be surely dead.

[NeverBlue]

I don't quite get you Cent.
What is it you are looking to read here?

Your quote is right on, but do you really think that everyone that is working in aviation maintenance in Canada feels the same as you about it?

Why would you go into it if you feel it's so shitty?

Why would anyone?...

[NeverBlue]

but the jobs like neverblue says he has are few and far between

How's that different than any industry?

And you think that you have perspective because you left aviation... but I don't have perspective because i'm still in it and have managed to find good jobs in it that I like?

Ok then...

[CentCollStud1234]

Good to hear that I am right. Fellow students, think about what you going to do after graduation and make informed decision. If you still think aviation is for you, go ahead but don't let anyone tell you it is going to be easy.

If you head into a dead end now, don't give up. The sky is literally brighter on the other side of the border and overseas. Do you think I will give up aviation just because of my weak faith in Canadian aviation?

For those students who left aviation temporary, don't forget your goal, WE WILL COME BACK.

[KISS_MY_TCAS]

For those students who left aviation temporary, don't forget your goal, WE WILL COME BACK.

Sweet...let's take our shirts off and bump chests!

Airplanes are expensive. If you spend too much maintaining/fuelling/flying them, you get outbid on a contract every time, the industry is a race to the bottom. Would you fly to Vegas for $300 on any old carrier, or pay $1000 to know you were safe, comfortable and looked after in every way imaginable? $300 wins every time.

Like Neverblue, I can claim $100k plus without OT, but it took 10 years and a series of the right circumstances to achieve it (I have been at that pay level for 5 years). I am sure that 6 digit wages are limited to probably 5% or less of the industry in Canada at a level that is not in management. When I started 15 years ago, I was earning about $25000/year. The problem in Canada is the turnover is high, guys will work a few years, and leave the industry so the bottom end of experience is rotating constantly. Lots of apprentices, very few long term, knowledgeable AMEs. A lot of apprentices and junior AMEs come in with a sense of entitlement, wanting to earn a big wage but can't find info in manuals, can't troubleshoot the simplest of snags, and quite frankly don't belong in the industry. It is possible to have a successful career in maintenance in Canada, but it is akin to winning the lottery, the odds are against you FAR more than you realize at this unemployed point in your career. If you suck, youll get weeded out. If youre good, there is a good chance you will get frustrated and leave. If you think crossing borders is the answer, you haven't done your research. The last time I followed one of our fleet to an American MRO, (because its cheaper down there, your anti-canadian statement is also laughable since you have no business experience, the dollar drives the industry more than you can fathom including your wage) the crew lead with an A&P/IA looking after our bird was earning a whopping $24USD/hr, with nearly double the time in industry as me and admittedly a crap-ton more knowledge and experience with the aircraft type than I had. Like stated, please report back in a few years, would LOVE to see how this all pans out for you. And good luck uprooting me from my 5% job, I've got about 30 years of employable life ahead of me, if I don't get laid off which is also common.

[Heliian]

Listen chum, you do not belong in aviation. Stop complaining and move the the US then. You obviously don't know what you got into and have little idea where to go. Your buddy that flew out on his own dime is also an idiot. We survived through 9/11 and we'll survive again. You are confused about your schooling in thinking that it would be transferable. People who take AMT usually know that it's for the purpose of becoming an AME. Have you ever held a job in your life? What experience do you have? What country are you from originally? Just look in the job ads on this site and start applying.

[CentCollStud1234]

Hey Heliian. Again Thanks for your feel back.
I should respect you every single way because you are coming from Centennial College.
We all welcome you coming back to hire more of us or to share your aviation success story face to face.
I do what I say, and I practice what I preach. Do you, Mr. Heliian?
True AMEs have nothing to hide and do not afraid of comments. I have nothing to afraid.
Calling young college students just coming out of college idiot? Brother, what goes around comes around!!
Your luck won't last forever Mr. Heliian. Good luck. You are definitely either one of the good or bad apple on the tree.
Perhaps I understand why Canadian aviation end up the way it is now.

I have done enough. Let the readers be the judge. I will let the readers to decide whether Mr. Heliian is a good or bad apple.
I will move on.

CentCollStud1234 OUT.

[KISS_MY_TCAS]

Someone PLEASE hire this kid! Hasn't worked a day in aviation and already has the industry by the twig and berries! Sounds like about 80% of modern apprentices, all piss and vinegar with no skills or knowledge to back themselves up. Lead the way big shooter, we're all dying for you to show us what we've been doing wrong all these years!

I'm with Heliian, you are obviously and very apparently not cut out for this industry. An employed, experienced AME gave you sound advice, and your rebuttal is easily viewed as threatening. Thanks for donating money to your college, so they can keep cranking out such high caliber grads! My best piece of advice, find a new career. You talk more than you listen, AMEs won't tolerate that, I promise. In any country. There's already enough BS in aviation without you joining the ranks.

[Heliian]

I have done enough. Let the readers be the judge. I will let the readers to decide whether Mr. Heliian is a good or bad apple.
I will move on.

CentCollStud1234 OUT.

I don't give 2 shites what you or anyone else really thinks, I shoot straight and don't bullshit or make excuses. I put my time in all over hell's half acre and worked hard to get my licence so I could get to play with the big kids, which I now do and am quite comfortable. I have been in this industry long enough to see several up and down cycles, I've trained dozens of apprentii and seen many an employee and companies come and go. In all honesty, you need to go back to your instructors and talk to them about your situation. I feel bad that they led you astray but only YOU can right your ship.