Why Choose North Island College?
- Practical experience. With a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills, you will attend classes in a shop that is organized and run to industry standards be well prepared for entry into the workplace.
- Put your skills to work. Depending upon their performance, students may complete a four-week work experience session in the field of aircraft structural repairs. With a work experience session, you’ll gain valuable hands-on knowledge, professional contacts, and confidence before entering the workforce.
- Great instructors. Experienced, licensed instructors work closely with the aerospace industry to ensure that NIC’s curriculum is relevant, current, and comprehensive.
- Want to go further? As a graduate, you'll receive recognition by Transport Canada for formal training and both technical tests required for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-Structure (AME-S) licence, plus time credit towards the three-year requirement to complete your AME-S certification.
- Considering a career in the Canadian Forces? NIC’s Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) program has been accredited by the Canadian Forces, and graduates can gain advanced standing as an aircraft structures technician (ACS).
Program Highlights
The Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) program consists of approximately 1,150 hours of shop and classroom instruction, beginning with the basic theory of flight. Students learn about aircraft systems, construction and Transport Canada regulatory requirements. They build and repair sheet metal, tubular, composite, wooden, and fabric aircraft structures. Graduates develop a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in all aspects of aircraft sheet metal work.
Students who have successfully completed the program to required standards receive recognition by Transport Canada for training and technical tests required for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer–Structures (AME-S) licence. Graduates also receive an 11-month time credit towards the three-year requirement to complete the AME-S certification.
NIC’s Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) program has been accredited by the Canadian Forces, and graduates can gain advanced standing as an aircraft structures technician (ACS). Students interested in pursuing these positions are eligible to receive a salary with benefits, support to offset tuition, and support to purchase materials if enrolled through the Canadian Forces Non-Commissioned Member - Subsidized Education Plan. For more information, visit Paid Education.
Career Opportunities
If you are interested in airplanes and want to work building or repairing aircraft, North Island College offers two solid options for entry into the aerospace industry. You will find NIC graduates working locally as well as in Victoria, throughout BC, Alberta, the Yukon, and as far away as Australia. Where do your dreams take you?
The shortest route to employment is through our Aircraft Manufacturing Technician Program. This 4½-month program prepares you for a career manufacturing the structural components, frames and skins of general aviation aircraft. You will be expected to work to exact tolerances, bending, forming and riveting, fitting and installing metal aircraft components. Upon graduation you will be readily employable as an entry-level aircraft assembler or sheet metal technician.
The Transport Canada approved Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) program meets the criteria for training and examinations to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Category ‘S’ (Structures). With completion of this certification you are then eligible to assess, plan and undertake structural repairs of aircraft. In addition to the fabrication and repair of metal skins and structures, the AME-‘S’ is also knowledgeable in areas of repair and installation of components made from wood, plastics, and composite construction.
Work Experience
Depending upon their performance, students may complete a one-month work experience session in the field of aircraft structural repairs.
Supply List
NIC is pleased to make tools available to students in exchange for a $100 refundable tool deposit, which is not included in your tuition. It will be returned at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in an acceptable condition. Tools will not be distributed without proof of payment from the Registration office.
Students are also responsible for having the following basic supplies:
- Coveralls
- CSA approved safety footwear
- WCB approved safety glasses
- WCB approved Hearing protection
- Painting respirator
- 3- 2 inch, 3 ring binders
- Pencils, pens, eraser
- Fine line felt markers
- Non-scientific calculator
- Measuring tape – Imperial