The IEC Catalyst , June 2010 |
Transport Canada Mentoring Future Aviation Mechanics
By Lisa Owens,
Co-op Teacher at Cardinal Newman Secondary School
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Where do you go to experience the dream of becoming an Aviation Mechanic? Transport Canada, at the Mount Hope Airport has been instrumental in providing two of our Cooperative Education students with the opportunities to learn about servicing airplane engines, inspecting helicopter components, replacing fuel nozzles, and of course washing and detailing the fleet.
The talent and commitment from the staff at Transport Canada, in particular Stan Watkinson and Mike Stevens, have allowed Kevin Talaue and Dave Mihalic, Coop students from Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School, to gain the knowledge needed to pursue a future in Aviation Mechanics. In fact, Dave is currently studying Aviation Mechanics at Canadore College in North Bay.
Their mentorship on a daily basis has provided a foundation and the skills that would assist these students in learning more about this career pathway.
These students have to be particularly committed to a Coop placement in this field, as it is a great distance out to the Mount Hope Airport site. Their dedication, eagerness to learn, and their passion for airplanes have made the trip worthwhile. Mike Stevens enjoys having Coop students and feels that there is time to educate and train these young people at Transport Canada.
There is always something to do there and currently, Kevin Talaue will tell you that he has no favourite tasks, as he enjoys everything he tackles during his Coop placement. Without community partners, such as Transport Canada, viable, hands-on learning would be lost. This team of employers has provided a wonderful, and memorable experiential learning opportunity for two young men enrolled in the Cooperative Education Department with the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
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