Development of Human Resource Strategy and Industry Training Programs Underway for BC’s Aerospace Sector

The purpose of this letter is to introduce stakeholders active in BC’s aerospace industry to the BC Aerospace Industry Human Resource Committee, and to work underway in partnership with the Transportation Career Development Association (transCDA) and to develop a human resource strategy and training programs to meet industry’s need for a skilled workforce in this critical sector of BC’s economy.

The Aerospace Industry Association of BC (AIABC), with funding from the provincial government’s Labour Market Partnerships program, has formed an industry steering committee comprised of senior employer and association representatives. A complete list of committee members is attached to this letter.

The committee’s goals are to identify and address the industry’s human resource needs, and to increase employer engagement in training program development to ensure that training better meets workplace requirements.

Leveraging substantial human resource strategy work completed in recent years, the committee is focused on a highly action-oriented agenda. Among its initial projects is updating labour market information for the industry in BC through the use of a system developed by the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council, in order to better understand current labour supply and demand, and forecast future requirements.

The committee is also working closely with transCDA to determine the industry’s requirement of formal training and certification programs.

Established by industry in 2008 and recognized by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) as the industry training organization for all aspects of BC’s transportation sector, transCDA is responsible for training and career development for the air, road, rail and marine transportation industries in the province. It currently manages 26 provincial and Red Seal apprenticeship programs with 2,500 registered apprentices.

As a key member of the BC Aerospace HR committee, transCDA has been tasked with two priorities integral to the development of an effective aerospace industry HR strategy:

• Reviewing the existing program structure and standards for the three classes of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) programs funded by the ITA – Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Structural Technician and Avionics Technician
• to ensure they are up-to-date and meeting industry’s requirements, and
• delivered in the most effective model for industry.

Following the review and consultation process, recommendations may be made to Transport Canada and the ITA for program revisions and/or restructuring; and

• Gathering input from employers in the sector to determine need and requirements for new training and certification programs to support industry growth, some of which may or may not leverage off the current AME programs.

Please note that you may be contacted as part of a survey being conducted by the committee. Your input is very important to ensuring that program design meets the needs of a broad range of employers.

You are also encouraged to contact Greg Shorland at transCDA, if you wish to provide your input to the committee’s work. He can be reached directly at 604-998-4510 ex 2402 or gshorland@tcda.ca.

For more information on current aerospace industry training programs, click here.

For more information on the BC Aerospace Industry HR Committee and its work, visit the AIABC site.

Thank you for your interest in and support of apprenticeship in BC’s aerospace sector.

Regards,

Russel Robertson		Geoff Stevens
CEO, transCDA		Chair, BC Aerospace Industry HR Committee

BC Aerospace Human Resource Committee Members
• Rachid Arab – Asco Aerospace (Manufacturing Rep)
• Robin Ambrose – Viking Air (Manufacturing Rep)
• Norm Chalmers – PAMEA
• Keith Labrecque – Transport Canada
• Alison McDonald – Avcorp (Manufacturing Rep)
• Sylvia Selig – Ministry of Small Business, Technology & Economic Development
• TBD – Helicopter Industry Reg (MRO/Operator Rep)
• Greg Shorland / Russ Robertson – Transportation Career Development Association (transCDA)
• Grant Stevens – Kelowna Flightcraft (MRO/Manufacturing Rep)
• Neil Floyd – Ministry of Advanced Education & Labour Market Development
• Geoff Stevens – Independent Committee Chair