Skills Development Fund Project

Last year, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) Association of Ontario applied and was granted funding from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development - Skills Development Fund to be used towards specialized skills development initiatives.

The AME-Ont - Skills Development Fund (SDF) Project's overall goal and mandate is to assist young Ontarians as well as Aircraft Maintenance operations as the industry continues its vital recovery from the global pandemic. Four program objectives have been defined as: Mentorship; Upskilling; Mental Wellness; and Outreach.

The Outreach Program objective will see the creation of a Mobile Aviation Activity Vehicle/Booth (MAAV), which will feature engaging and interactive activities for people of all ages. The MAAV will tour Ontario, to promote not only Aircraft Maintenance but also related skilled trade careers. This vehicle will support the 6 Ontario colleges that currently deliver training for aviation career paths by being offered to those Colleges during their recruiting drives each autumn as they visit elementary/secondary schools in each College’s catchment area. MAAV will also be made available for 6 additional events, which promote skilled trade careers throughout the year. Airshows, technology fairs, elementary and secondary school career days/fairs and events that promote Skilled Trades careers in Ontario are examples of places where you may see MAAV.

Mentorship, Upskilling, & Mental Wellness objectives have been combined to form the Professional Development Program.  This program will accept applications from individuals and companies and will provide Professional Development training opportunities for accepted participants to help develop their skillset to meet the needs of employers in this highly proficient industry.