Aircraft Structures Technician certificate Important notice!

We currently have space available for the following classes:

August 29, 2005 to June 23, 2006
  and
December 5, 2005 to September 29, 2006


Please contact Judy Hill at (604) 854-4506 or (604) 792-0025, local 4506 or email judy.hill@ucfv.ca

Aircraft Structures Technician certificate

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 is Transport Canada approved and 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 spinoff 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 42 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
 

    The Aircraft Structures Technician program is offered at the UCFV Aerospace Centre – 30645 Firecat Ave., located at the Abbotsford Airport. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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. Submit a UCFV application form, along with the $45 application fee to the Admissions and Records office. Students currently in Grade 12 may apply beginning in January of their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be included with the application.

2. You will be notified of your entrance exam date by the Trades and Technology department. If you have not been contacted within two weeks call 604-854-4548. There is no fee for writing these exams.

3. Prior to 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 program waitlist.

Fees and other expenses
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
    The program fees are approximately $100 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 $4.50 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 $1,500–$2,500 for basic hand tools, $550 for required textbooks, and $300 for appropriate working apparel.

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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