We are proud to partner with the Alberta Aviation Futures Alliance (a formal collaboration between Elevate Aviation, CAREERS, and the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA)) to address critical labour shortages in Alberta’s aviation industry. Through this initiative, we are equipping participants with essential skills and creating direct pathways into the workforce, whether through internships or full-time employment with our industry partners.

With Canada projected to face a shortfall of 42,000 to 55,000 aviation workers by 2035, we are focussed on both immediate and long-term workforce needs. These include vital roles such as ground handling, customer service, flight attendants, drone operators, pilots, and aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs).

Meet the Alberta Aviation Futures Alliance

Role of Program Partners: 

Alberta AAC 

A key part of our role is connecting program graduates to employers through the strong support of our program partners for valuable internship/full-time employment. Our goal is to strengthen Alberta’s talent pipeline by helping participants gain essential, industry-recognized skills. Through this work, we’re aiming at positioning Alberta as a leader in aviation workforce development and creating real pathways to meaningful careers in the sector.

Elevate Aviation

Participants from Elevate Aviation are typically adult learners seeking a career transition or re-entry into the workforce, often from underrepresented groups such as women, indigenous peoples, or newcomers. They complete industry-recognized training combined with real-world experience, and are prepared for immediate employment in various operational roles. These candidates bring maturity, diverse perspectives, and a strong commitment to aviation careers making them valuable, long-term assets to employers.

CAREERS

Graduates from CAREERS are high school students (Grade 12, Grade 13, or in gap years) who have participated in career-focused aviation programming. These students gain hands-on experience through internships with aviation employers, arriving job-ready with a foundational understanding of workplace safety, operations, and aviation practices. They are eager to grow within the sector and offer strong potential for long-term workforce development.

CCAA

CCAA has provided the curriculum for the Aircraft Service Technician (AST) program.

Programs delivered by Elevate Aviation: 

• BASIC (Building Aviation Skills & Industry Competence) – The BASIC program is a 5-week, hands-on introduction to the aviation industry with Effective Factors built into the fabric of the learning experience. Learners are provided exposure to a variety of career paths, including Customer Service Agent, Flight Attendant, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), Ground Handling, and Air Traffic Services. The program combines foundational training with industry-relevant skills to help participants explore and prepare for aviation-related careers.
  Alongside the regular programming, there will be additional summer cohorts in Calgary and Edmonton for learners aged 15–21 (up to 25 for indigenous youth). These summer cohorts offer an additional internship and/or potential full-time employement, offering participants valuable real-world experience and direct connections to employers. 

• AST (Aircraft ServiceTechnician) – A 5-week training program suitable for individuals with or without post-secondary education. Participants gain insight into various aircraft maintenance roles and develop foundational skills for a career in aviation through Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace’s Transport Canada acceptable Foundational Training Program delivered by Elevate Aviation. Following the training, participants complete a 3-week On-the-Job Training (OJT) placement. 

• FAST (Foundational Aviation Skills Training) – A 4-week training program focused on developing essential workplace and technical skills in Customer Service and Flight Attendant training, boosting confidence and preparing participants for entry into Alberta’s aviation sector.

Are you an employer and looking to hire Work-ready interns or full-time staff?

As part of this industry initiative to drive employment and career paths in aviation, we invite employer partners with open positions or those planning for future hiring to connect directly with Christine Matheson, Senior Manager of Career and Employment Support at Elevate Aviation. Christine works closely with participants, understands their individual career goals, and is well positioned to help you identify qualified, work ready individuals who are passionate about aviation. Whether you are hiring now or preparing for upcoming opportunities, Christine will collaborate with you to ensure the right candidates are matched to your needs. To inquire about an intern or a new hire please email: christine.matheson@elevateaviation.ca or phone: 780.919.8109

The first cohort of interns is ready and waiting for employment now!  Together, we can build the workforce our industry needs to thrive.

Are you a student looking to jumpstart your aviation career with 3 weeks of on-the-job training? Apply now for the Transportation & Logistics Program DELIVERED BY Careers!

Note: Select “Shane McKay” as presenter and “Transportation and Logistics” as the program