What is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)?
An AME is responsible for maintaining, repairing, overhauling, modifying and testing aircraft systems, including structural, mechanical, hydraulic, instrument, electrical and avionics systems. They also inspect aircraft after manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul.
Where can I train to be an AME apprentice?
You can train at College of the North Atlantic, which offers two recognized pre-employment apprenticeship programs:
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician: A two-year program for careers in Maintenance or Avionics.
- Aircraft Structural Repair Technician: A one-year program for careers in Structures.
I am performing AME work duties but have never completed training. What can I do?
If you are working under the supervision of a licensed AME who is a certified journeyperson (or willing to become one), you can apply to become an apprentice AME. Once accepted, you can start the apprenticeship training program.
What is a certified journeyperson?
Certified journeypersons are recognized tradespersons who have mastered all required skills through work experience and in-school training (if applicable). Certification must be verified by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD) before journeypersons are able to mentor apprentices and sign off on skills acquired on-the-job.
How do I become a journeyperson AME?
If you are a licensed AME in Maintenance, Avionics, or Structures, you can apply to be recognized as an AME journeyperson by providing proof of valid Transport Canada licensing.
Graduates of recognized CNA training programs working towards their AME license can apply to become apprentices and receive credit for hours and theory.
Those without formal AME training but working under a licensed AME who is a journeyperson (or willing to become one) can apply to become apprentices and complete the apprenticeship program, including technical training.
What are the Apprenticeship requirements?
- Approved training: Complete a Transport Canada approved basic training program.
- Work experience: Accumulate 7,200 apprenticeship hours through training and on-the-job experience.
- Workplace skills: Meet the range of skills specified by Transport Canada for licensing.
- Regulatory exams: Pass the Canadian Aviation Regulations exam required by Transport Canada. This is also a requirement for journeyperson certification.
Is journeyperson certification required in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No, AMEs are not required to become journeypersons in the trade. Compulsory licensing is issued by Transport Canada.
Where can I find information about Transport Canada requirements for AME?
You can find information about license types and obtaining an AME license on the Government of Canada website.
Why should I become an apprentice AME?
- Earn while you learn: Apprentices earn a salary from their employers, which may increase with each apprenticeship level completed.
- Reduced student debt: Apprentices continue to earn an income while learning on-the-job and may receive Employment Insurance during in-school training.
What are the benefits of Apprenticeship to employers?
- Increased competitiveness: Apprenticeship programs provide workers with on-the job and in-school training, improving company competitiveness.
- Improved quality, service and productivity: Apprenticeship programs result in highly skilled workers, ensuring higher quality work, service and productivity.
- Enhanced workforce skills: Apprentices trained to industry standards understand the unique values of their workplace.
- Reduced turnover and increased loyalty: Investment in apprentices encourages long-term employee commitment.
- Planning for the future: Apprenticeship programs assist in planning and meeting future workforce needs.