Aircraft Structures Technician certificate

Important notice!
We currently have space available for the following class:
February 14 to December 2, 2005
Please contact Judy Hill at (604) 504-7441,ext.4438 or email judy.hill@ufv.ca

Prepare for an in-demand career in the aircraft industry.

Looking for a trade that’s challenging, in-demand, linked to the Abbotsford economy, and portable throughout Canada? Then consider the new Aircraft Structures Technician program, offered by UCFV in facilities at the Abbotsford Airport.

This certificate program will give you a thorough introduction to the aircraft repair and maintenance trade. Working and learning at a busy airport location will give you a taste of “real life” experience and also help you make connections with potential employers.

Structures technicians repair and overhaul aircraft. Tasks include manufacturing, modifying, and repairing sheet metal parts, structures, skins, and panels to exacting tolerances, and using and interpreting manufacturers’ structural repair manuals.

After completing the certificate program, you will be qualified to start your career as a structures apprentice and eventually become an “S”-licensed aircraft structures  technician.

Employment opportunities

Aerospace-related industry has been identified by the City of Abbotsford as one of the key growth engines for the local economy. One large employer, Cascade Aerospace, is looking to hire hundreds of new employees, including structural technicians and apprentices, as it significantly expands its aircraft maintenance business. It is anticipated that the growth of this company and other aerospace- related enterprises will create spin-off demand in Abbotsford as other companies locate near a skilled labour force.

The Aerospace Industry Association of B.C. predicts that there will be 355 new positions needing to be filled in the structural category by 2005. A report from the Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission of B.C. predicts that the aerospace industry will require up to 4,000 new trades and technical workers within five years, including structural technicians.

Program outline

The program is comprised of approximately 40 weeks of in-class instruction. You must show that you understand the theory introduced in the program by successfully completing a written test for each unit and then applying it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit.

You will be working with the help of learning packages that will give step-by-step instructions. The learning materials may include printed worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, instructions, demonstrations, and/or lectures.

Practical hands-on training is a large part of the classroom environment. As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after “on-the-job” situations.

Like all UCFV Trades programs, the course is broken into modules. Each module will be graded as Credit (CR) or No-Credit (NCR) and each module is a prerequisite to the next module.

The list of modules are:

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Entrance requirements

1. Secondary school graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent

2. A math and English comprehension entrance exam (standard test for all trades programs at UCFV)

3. A personal interview, during which suitability for (and interest in) the aerospace industry will be discussed and assessed.

4. Students must be in good physical condition and have no fear of heights.

Note: You may be required to be able to pass a criminal record check.

How to apply

1. Make an appointment with the Trades & Technology receptionist to write the entrance exam by calling 604-854-4548.There is no fee for writing this exam.

2. Students may schedule an appointment to pretest for the program while they are completing their prerequisites if they provide a statement from their counsellor or high school principal indicating that they are in their last semester of studies and are likely to complete them successfully.

3. Prior to the classes starting students will be notified by telephone of the registration procedures. Students who cannot be reached by telephone after three attempts will be removed from the wait-list.

Fees and other expenses

Fees stated are in effect for 2003/04 and are subject to change for 2004/05.

The program fees are approximately $92 per week, which includes the tuition fees plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. In addition, each semester (fall, winter, and spring) students will pay a $25 Student Union Society membership fee and a $2 Cascade student newspaper fee. Full payment of fees is required before the start of classes each semester, by the beginning of September, January, and April.

Note: A deposit (currently $150) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester.

You should also budget approximately $1500–$2,500 for basic hand tools, $550 for required textbooks, and $300 for appropriate working apparel.

A developing program

This program is just in the developmental stage. Start dates and training plans may change, depending upon advice from industry. Work experience may be incorporated into the program.

Medical requirement

A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UCFV official if/when the statement is required.

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