The Algoma District School Board in Sault Ste. Marie is set to offer a new program for its high school students next year. The pilot project will be aimed at getting students into studying for the aviation industry
Since he was 15, Ethan Irwin has known he's wanted to work on planes for a living. A new program beginning next year at the Algoma District School Board will allow him to start preparing for it.
"I believe that is the next step in my career. Instead of just doing part time here and there, I believe if you can dedicate a lot of your day, you'll be able to learn a lot more, a lot quicker and be a step ahead of everybody else." said Irwin who is a grade 11 student.
"We're going to plant the seed for students to look into sectors of aviation aerospace. Such as aircraft structures, mechanics, we're going to touch on piloting, and anything to do with the aircraft sector.” said teacher Joe Luxton.
The new program is called "Light Aircraft Course" and students will be spending their days at the Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre, getting hands on training from people in the industry.
"We see there is an increase in experiential learning opportunities. So, we want students to feel a connection to what they are going to do in life and what the real life experiences look like, and sound like, and this is definitely one of those programs.” said Marcy Bell of the Algoma District School Board.
"It's a good partnership for the Bushplane. It works with our mandate for community engagement. It works with our mandate for education." said Kim Park of the Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre.
The school board says the goal is to have twenty students sign up for the course next September. Those selected will spend their whole semester either at the bushplane centre or on job placement with companies in the industry.
