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
   

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum C+ in English 11, TPC 11, NIC ENG 052 or equivalent; and
2. Minimum C+ in Principles of Math 10, Applications of Math 11, A&W 11, Foundations 11, NIC MAT 034, or equivalent; or
3. Successful NIC assessment testing in English and math.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program, and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in science, physics and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude, and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning, along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Program Requirements

• ASM 100 Program Orientation & Workshop Safety
• ASM 101 Regulation, Documentation & Technical Information
• ASM 102 Structural Materials & Heat Treatment
• ASM 103 Tools & Equipment
• ASM 104 Sheet Metal Fabrication
• ASM 105 Standard & Special Fastener Identification & Installation
• ASM 106 Sheet Metal Repairs & Damage Assessment
• ASM 107 Surface Preparation & Corrosion Control
• ASM 108 Fluid Lines & Conduits
• ASM 109 Aircraft Systems, Structures & Designs
• ASM 110 Composite Repairs & Fabrication
• ASM 111 Tubular Repairs (Welding Excluded)
• ASM 112 Wood Structure & Repair
• ASM 113 Fabric Repairs
• ASM 114 Thermoplastics
• ASM 115 Human Factors

Completion Requirements

As it is the intention that graduates of this program will work in the aerospace industry, this program will incorporate expectations governing evaluation and attendance as developed by this industry.

1. All theoretical and practical post examination reviews will be conducted and corrected to 100% with the intent of demonstrated competency in each subject area.
2. Post examinations will be applied to that portion of a topic where a student has achieved less than 70%. Regular and consistent attendance is mandatory.