Sky’s the limit in opportunities for Georgian Aviation grads
Sky’s the limit in opportunities for Georgian Aviation grads
 When Chris Drumm began exploring the world of aviation education, it wasn’t the newest school or the biggest labs that captured his attention; it was the rock-solid reputation of the program.
“Georgian College really does have an amazing reputation within the aviation industry,” says Drumm. “Industry partners sit on the advisory board and Georgian tailors its program to include exactly what the industry needs.”
Already a pilot, Drumm graduated from Georgian’s Aviation Management program in 2000. One of the greatest experiences the program had to offer was co-operative education, says Drumm, who was a co-op student at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in southern Ontario, just north of Georgian’s Barrie Campus.
“The great thing about Georgian’s program is that you build a really well-rounded portfolio of skills. You’re not pigeon-holed into one little area. You learn about all aspects of aviation management and that opens up a lot of avenues when it comes to a career.
Wide-ranging opportunities
The three-year program, delivered by Georgian’s Canadian Aviation Institute (CAvI), gives grads the skills to work in a wide range of aviation fields, including
- airline management
- airport management and planning
- flight dispatch
- government aviation agencies
Some also further their training to become air traffic controllers, commercial pilots and flight service specialists. Each person who works on an aircraft is supported by 100 ground personnel.
After Drumm graduated, he joined the operations staff at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport and worked himself up to the title of assistant airport manager. Georgian’s wide-ranging program helped him in the position, in which he must stay on top of all airport functions including fueling, airport services, noise management, environmental concerns and “just about anything else” that crops up. Several other Georgian grads and co-op students are employed at the airport, including graduate Brian Hanas, who is operations manager.
Opportunities for advancement
Drumm plans to work toward his master’s degree via correspondence through an anticipated Georgian partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also hopes to manage his own airport in the future and says grads who don’t mind thinking globally have a world of opportunities waiting for them.
Heather Williams, a recent grad of Georgian’s Aviation Management program, is planning to take advantage of those worldwide opportunities. She is heading off to Griffith University in Australia this coming winter to obtain her masters and then may consider working overseas.
“I’m really open to what I’m going to be doing. My education has prepared me for a variety of options in aviation management.”
During her co-op with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Williams helped open the new terminal at Pearson International Airport. She assisted with major trials, simulated airport processes, collected data and tested new systems. The co-op component helps students achieve the equivalent of one year of applied work experience.
Georgian grads get jobs
Many CAI faculty members have great contacts for student co-ops, as they have worked in the aviation industry. Their knowledge of the industry pays off for grads - more than 90 per cent find jobs right away. The program also has articulation agreements with various universities which offer grads direct acceptance into university programs.
Drumm has fond memories of his time at the CAvI and keeps in touch with Georgian College as a member of the aviation program advisory board, which helps develop curriculum relevant to industry needs.
“The Aviation Management program is an excellent, well rounded introduction to the aviation industry. With so many diverse positions in the industry, the program introduces numerous concepts and ideas that are applicable to real life situations,” said Drumm.“The program is an excellent educational tool that helped me enter the aviation industry.”
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