Algonquin College is expanding its partnership with Porter Airlines to provide financial aid for students aiming for careers in aviation.
Algonquin College is expanding its partnership with Porter Airlines to provide financial aid for students aiming for careers in aviation.
The college said Porter is increasing its support for its aircraft maintenance technician program with a $25,000 contribution that will go towards a scholarship and other financial awards for students in the program.
Overall, it said the initiatives will support 10 second-year students in the program each year.
Program co-ordinator Daniel Maslow said in a news release that the aircraft industry’s growth in Canada has created “exceptional opportunities” for aircraft maintenance professionals, with thousands of positions expected to open up in the coming years.
“Our partnership with Porter shows that we understand the urgency of this issue and that we are working together to address the industry’s pressing need for skilled talent,” Maslow said.
Algonquin signed a memorandum of understanding with the airline in 2024, when Porter launched its aircraft maintenance base at the Ottawa International Airport. The agreement was intended to recognize Algonquin’s role in supplying regional employees with a skilled workforce, the release said.
“Our partnership is great news for our learners,” Mark Savenkoff, the college’s vice-president of advancement and strategy, said in the release. “They will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and unmatched hands-on experience they need to succeed as the next generation of aviation professionals.”
The organizations said the partnership is expected to continue to evolve in the coming years.
“Porter’s presence in Ottawa has grown substantially in recent years and we expect this momentum to continue,” said Porter executive vice-president and chief people officer Lawrence Hughes.
“As our operations expand, we remain committed to investing in impactful initiatives that help Algonquin College students launch promising careers in the aviation industry.” 
