Algonquin College Aviation Programs Take Flight With Donation from Pratt & Whitney
Posted on Friday, February 7th, 2014
An aircraft engine donated by Pratt & Whitney Canada to Algonquin College’s Aviation programs will mean hundreds of Algonquin students – current and future – are that much closer to acquiring their Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license. The engine was donated at an event on campus this morning.
“We are proud of the strong connections we have with industry, which give our students access to the best possible hands-on training with the latest equipment,” says Chris Janzen, Dean, Faculty of Technology and Trades at Algonquin College. “Pratt & Whitney’s donation demonstrates how Algonquin is working together with industry to form relationships that maximize our students’ applied learning opportunities, and we want to thank them for their support of our students.”
“We are delighted to be donating this PT6A-41 engine to Algonquin College as part of our commitment to support schools that are training the next generation of engine technicians,” says Richard Bertrand, Vice President, Government Relations, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “This engine is a member of our iconic PT6 engine family, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and has helped to change the face of modern aviation. It will give students concrete experience with a real engine and will be an excellent teaching tool.”
Algonquin College has over 60 students enrolled in its General Arts and Sciences – Aviation Management diploma program, and 40 enrolled in the Aviation Techniques – Aircraft Maintenance certificate program. The donation could help the program expand in preparation for market demand. A study by Boeing shows the aviation industry will need to supply approximately one million new commercial airline pilots and maintenance technicians between now and 2032 to support the growth of the industry.
Aviation programs at Algonquin College are delivered in collaboration with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Currently, students in the Aircraft Maintenance program attend their first year in Ottawa and can take a second year at Centennial College in Scarborough, which provides an 18-month experience credit towards their Transport Canada AME license.
For more information, please contact:
Phil Gaudreau
Communications Officer, Algonquin College
613-220-7796
Email: gaudrep@algonquincollege.com
- Posted in