HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM PROMOTES AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

Ten students from Churchill Community High School in La Ronge have completed the first Aircraft Maintenance Orientation Program offered in Saskatchewan. Each student received a certificate to commemorate the achievement.

The Aircraft Maintenance Orientation Program is designed to help high school students familiarize themselves with possible careers in aircraft maintenance or other areas of the aviation industry.

Environment Minister David Forbes and Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty were on hand to mark the occasion.

"The Orientation Program has been a resounding success," Forbes said. "It's a reflection of the commitment our partners - such as Saskatchewan Learning, the Churchill Community High School and members of the aviation industry - have to encouraging young people to explore careers in aviation. It is also a good example of how cooperation and partnerships can benefit everyone involved."

The Aircraft Maintenance Orientation Program has been offered in other provinces but this is the first time in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Aviation Council donated $5,000 to support it. Staff from North Central Helicopter, Transwest and Saskatchewan Environment's Northern Air Operations helped with teaching the theory and work placement of the students.

"I'm very happy with the program, particularly with the partnerships the school has established with Environment's Northern Air Operations and other northern aviation businesses," Churchill Community High School Principal Ken Gray said. "It's a great program for our students, because it's nice to give our students some exposure to the opportunities there are in the aviation industry. We are looking forward to having this as an ongoing program in our school."

The Maintenance Orientation Program complements Environment's Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship Program. It currently has eight young people enrolled. First Nations and Métis partners sponsor four of the apprentices and Saskatchewan Environment sponsors the rest.

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For More Information, Contact:

Everett Dorma Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-6127