Providence University College is partnering with Canadian North Airlines to create a unique Inuit pilot training program.
As a 100 percent Inuit-owned airline, Canadian North is committed to supporting Inuit and Indigenous economic self-reliance by providing career opportunities within the aviation industry.
On Thursday, Canadian North and Providence University College announced a partnership that will help fulfill this goal by training Inuit students to become pilots.
High-potential candidates will be identified and trained through Providence University College’s flight training school in cooperation with Harv’s Air in Manitoba, a partnership that has spanned almost 40 years. These new program offerings will meet the standard of the IATPL (Integrated Airline Transport Pilots License) through either a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation or a double major in Aviation and Business Management.
Canadian North will also provide a standing offer of employment for students who are successful in their studies and meet the regulatory requirements for our airline.
“We are very excited about this announcement and the potential of this partnership with Providence University College,” says Shelly De Caria the Associate Vice President of Sales and Community Investment for Canadian North. “This program will provide Inuit with an opportunity to not only train and become pilots, but upon graduation, they will have guaranteed employment serving their own communities, families and friends by flying for Canadian North.”
According to Canadian North, there is currently a critical shortage of well-trained pilots both here in Canada and globally. Northern Canada relies heavily on air travel as less than 2 percent of the country’s population is spread across 40 percent of its northern land mass.
Anna Mondor is the Vice President of External Relations for Providence.
She says “Providence is aware of the shortage of pilots available to airlines, and the need for a reliable supply of new pilots. “We are looking forward to our new partnership with Canadian North to deliver local professionals from the north to serve the north.”
Almost all of the northern communities Canadian North serves have no road or rail access and limited seasonal sealift service, so its flights enable the movement of people, food and other crucial goods as well as access to medical care and government services.
Providence President, Kent Anderson adds, “Providence is pleased to extend its legacy of excellence in pilot education in service to Canadian North and the Inuit communities it serves. We believe we can be part of the solution to Canada’s chronic pilot shortage to enhance the lives of people in the far north.”