The Higher Technology School (ETS), the National School Aerotechnics (ENA) and the Cbetween technological in aerospace (CTA) unite their strengths in order to train the next generation and boost the careers of their students and researchers.
According to the Engineering Workforce Projections of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) published last fall, the demand for aerospace engineers is expected to grow by 30% by 2033. The professional order adds that this area faces significant challenges following the resumption of activities post-pandemic.
A situation that is felt even in the province’s training establishments. “There are a lot of needs and we are struggling to provide this workforce,” notes Pascal Désilets, director of the ENA. However, he is delighted with an increase of almost 40% in registrations in the three programs offered at the ENA, either in avionics techniques, aircraft maintenance or aerospace engineering, he calculates. “We already have more than 525 admission requests for next fall. And that helps us greatly, he believes. All students find employment before the end of their training. »
The director of academic affairs at ETS, Michel Huneault, agrees and draws a similar observation. Thus, within the framework of the three compulsory internships to complete an undergraduate degree, students are spoiled for choice. “They all get placed very quickly, often before finishing their studies. The number of offers that each of the interns has is multiple. There are therefore many more companies looking for interns than available interns,” he observes.
The ETS has also created a new bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, which will be offered from 2025. “We expect to start with 45 students,” projects Mr. Huneault, who predicts that this number will quickly double. Currently, those who come from ENA enroll in chemical engineering or mechanical engineering.
Continuing training
If enrollment in aeronautics fields of study increases, these students will not enter the job market for a few years. In order to meet the need for labor in the shorter term, ENA also offers different types of apprenticeship. “We are very active in training for adults,” explains Pascal Désilets.
Thus, the ENA also offers attestations of college studies (AEC), which are more concise than a complete DEC. Several students are also part of the community of new immigrants, undergoing professional retraining. “They have diplomas that are not recognized when they arrive in Quebec. So they come for training. And these people can come from other distinct sectors. You do not need to already be in aerospace to register for this program,” he points out.
The establishment also provides shorter professional development workshops in companies, adapting teaching to the context of existing or recently hired employees. “We will train them in certain skills, such as advanced composite materials. We must educate them on the different methods, whether those of Bombardier or Airbus,” adds Mr. Désilets.
A new “aerocampus”
Last October, the ETS announced its plan to set up in Longueuil with a view to establishing an ecosystem promoting learning, research and innovation in aerospace in the province. “What we want to form is what we call the aerocampus,” summarizes Michel Huneault. It therefore aims, with the ENA and the CTA, both affiliated with Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, to create a complete center intended for aeronautics. “Many of our students were already going to continue their studies at ETS,” adds the director of ENA.
Thus, the different educational establishments will share their equipment and laboratories. “We want to expand collaborations in research and training, and offer an even more stimulating environment,” explains Pascal Désilets.
This approach is part of the desire of the industry and the Quebec government to make the greater Montreal region a zone of innovation in the field, as announced by Prime Minister François Legault on May 21. “Our aerocampus is part of this movement. Obviously, this is a very small subset. But our learning component is going to be very important. We cannot create a zone without having the workforce that comes with it,” concludes Michel Huneault.
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