Sky’s the Limit: Investing in Innovative Aviation Training

The Alberta government is transforming aviation training by integrating advanced virtual reality technology.

According to Transport Canada, the aviation sector will face a shortage of 42,000 to 55,000 workers between 2025 and 2035. Unfortunately, Canadian colleges produce only a small fraction of the aviation professionals needed annually. To bridge this gap, Alberta is making significant investments in innovation.

The government has announced a $900,000 commitment through the Workforce Strategies Grant to Elevate Aviation, aimed at enhancing aviation training throughout the province. This essential funding will support the development of a groundbreaking Virtual Reality (VR) Aviation Maintenance Training System, designed to tackle the industry’s urgent workforce challenges with unprecedented creativity. This initiative also underscores the government’s commitment to advancing Alberta’s aviation sector through improved training.

“This investment signifies a new era in aviation training. With this $900,000 grant, we are funding a project and investing in the future of our aviation workforce. The VR Training System is a transformative approach that will expedite the training of highly skilled aviation professionals while addressing critical workforce shortages,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade.

 

Elevate Aviation’s VR Maintenance Training System is poised to revolutionize aviation maintenance education. By utilizing immersive VR technology, it creates realistic training scenarios that allow trainees to hone their skills in a safe environment. This innovative method will speed up the learning process and ensure graduates are industry-ready from day one.

Additionally, Alberta’s government continues to support Elevate Aviation Learning Centre’s (EALC) Aviation Readiness Training programs with a $5-million grant awarded in 2023, reinforcing the province’s commitment to state-of-the-art education and industry progress.

“Our VR Training System represents a significant advancement in aviation education. By integrating VR, we are eliminating barriers and providing a modern solution to the urgent demand for skilled aviation professionals. This investment clearly demonstrates Alberta’s dedication to leading the way in aviation training,” stated Laura Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer of Elevate Aviation.

The Workforce Strategies Grant initiative aims to enhance access to high-quality training, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities, promoting a more diverse and inclusive aviation workforce. This investment highlights Alberta’s dedication to supporting the aviation industry and ensuring its ongoing growth and success.

Investing in the training of skilled workers is a fundamental aspect of Alberta’s strategy for economic growth and resilience. As the province continues to expand and diversify its economy, maintaining a consistent flow of well-trained professionals is essential for meeting the demands of emerging industries and sustaining its competitive edge.

By empowering the workforce through targeted training, Alberta ensures it remains at the forefront of industry advancements, creating sustainable job opportunities and fostering long-term prosperity.

Quick Facts:

•  The new VR Aviation Maintenance Training System aims to address the projected labor shortage, with over 1,000 openings expected in Alberta in the next five to ten years.
• More than 200 students graduate annually from EALC’s Aviation Readiness Training programs, equipped with the skills and qualifications for various aviation careers.
• The VR training system will be based in Edmonton but accessible anywhere with an internet connection.
• This innovative product is unique in Canada, offering training modules for foundational education, industry onboarding, competency testing, and recurrent training—unprecedented in the aviation sector.
• Elevate Aviation is a recognized not-for-profit training provider in the aviation industry, focusing on skills development and career exploration for future aviators.