Applied and Technical Studies

Aircraft Structures Technician certificate

Looking for a trade that's challenging, in-demand, linked to the Abbotsford economy, and portable throughout Canada and worldwide? Then consider the Aircraft Structures Technician program, offered by UFV in facilities at the Abbotsford Airport.

This certificate program is Transport Canada approved and will give you a thorough introduction to the aircraft repair and maintenance trade. Working and learning at a busy airport location will give you a taste of "real life" experience and also help you make connections with potential employers.

Structures technicians manufacture, repair, overhaul, and maintain aircraft. Tasks include manufacturing, modifying, and repairing sheet metal parts, structures, skins, and panels to exacting tolerances, and using and interpreting manufacturers' structural repair manuals.

After completing the certificate program, you will be qualified to start your career as a structures apprentice and eventually become an AME-"S"-licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.

Concurrent studies option

UFV allows high school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their grade 12 year. For more information, contact your district/school career counsellor. You may also contact the UFV Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.

Employment opportunities

Aerospace-related industry has been identified by the City of Abbotsford as one of the key growth engines for the local economy. It is anticipated that the growth of aerospace-related enterprises will create spinoff demand in Abbotsford as companies locate near a skilled labour force.

The Industry Training Authority predicts that the aerospace industry will require up to 4,000 new trades and technical workers within five years, including structural technicians.

Entrance requirements

High-school completion is strongly recommended for career success. In addition to UFV’s general university admission requirements, which include the English Language Proficiency Requirement, students must meet the following entrance requirements for admission.

1. One of the following:
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Mature student status (19 years +).
2. One of the following:
   • Successful completion of any Mathematics 10 (or higher grade) or equivalent (including Foundations of Mathematics, Pre-calculus, Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics, MATH 072, or MATH 076) with a C grade or better.
   • Successful completion of a UFV trades math entrance exam.

   Note: Students who have not been in any schooling for more than three years are strongly advised to take the recommended mathematics assessment test to determine level of preparedness. The assessment test may identify areas that require strengthening to optimize the opportunities for program success. In most cases, upgrading can be taken simultaneously with the program.

3. One of the following:
   • Successful completion of English 12 or equivalent (including English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, International Baccalaureate English A (standard level or higher level), or Advanced Placement English) with a C grade.
   • UFV Accuplacer Reading comprehension score of 80 or better, together with Accuplacer WritePlacer score of 6 or better on the 8-point scale.
   • UFV CPT (Composition Placement Test) – score of 41 or higher.
   • TOEFL iBT score of 80 with no section below 19.
   • Completion of any other test score or course grade listed in the Entry-level post-secondary English language proficiency standards.
4. Applicants must be in good physical condition and have no fear of heights.

Note: A current criminal record search document may be required.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Applicants currently in Grade 12 may apply during their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that they are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be presented. A transcript showing evidence of meeting the entrance requirements will be required in order to be offered a seat.
2. Applicants not meeting the entrance requirements will be notified of entrance exam dates by the Trades & Technology department. There is no fee for writing these exams. Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of submission of their applications should call 604-852-7377, ext. 101.
3. Prior to classes starting, applicants will be notified by telephone or email of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. You should also budget approximately $2,000 for basic hand tools, $260 for required textbooks, and $300 for appropriate working apparel.

Medical requirement

A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UFV official if/when the statement is required.

Location

The Aircraft Structures Technician program is offered at the UFV Aerospace Centre - 30645 Firecat Ave., at the Abbotsford Airport. It is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Classes are in session from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Dates and attendance requirements

The Aircraft Structures program starts in September and January and runs for 42 weeks consecutively. The 42 weeks are broken into three 14-week modules.

The Aircraft Structures program requires continuous attendance through all three 14-week modules to complete all requirements for the program. Students will be expected to attend classes five days per week.

Transport Canada stipulates that no more than 5% of a basic training course can be missed due to absenteeism. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their individual program guides may be subject to an academic performance review and will not qualify for experience credit under the course approval.

Program requirements

Students must complete all requirements with a minimum of 70% or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.

All students are expected to complete each 14-week module consecutively.

Graduation

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/admissions/forms. We recommend this be done at the beginning of your final module.

Attendance and conduct

Unacceptable academic performance may, at the discretion of the instructor, include poor attendance, slow progress in theory and practical tasks, and/or lack of satisfactory participation in class activities. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Applied and Technical Studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, and will be held responsible for their actions, whether acting alone or in group. See UFV's Student Academic Misconduct policy (70) and Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).

Withdrawal

Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)

If a student wishes not to continue, he or she will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).

Upgrading

The definition of an upgrader is a student who joins a class for 13 weeks or less to repeat or complete a specific course. This is a student who has attended training at UFV before, or who wishes to enhance their skills by attending one or more specific sections of the course (i.e. sheet metal or composite repair, wood and fabric repair, etc.).

The Aircraft Structures Technician modules are organized so upgraders have easy access to training at various times during the year.

Note: Upgraders wishing to attend a specific section of the course must provide testimony from their employer or from an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer identifying that the student holds the prerequisite knowledge of Transport Canada regulations, safety, tooling and basic aircraft operation.

Re-admission

Students who begin a trades program, but withdraw before completing the program, may contact the department to request re-entry to the program provided their absence is less than two years. Re-entry is conditional based on space availability and instructor permission, and if the curriculum has not changed.

If you are absent more than one year you will be required to apply for re-admission. An Application for admission form and Application fee will be required.

Program outline

The program is comprised of 42 weeks of in-class instruction. You must show that you understand the theory introduced in the program by successfully completing a written test for each unit and then applying it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit.

You will be working with the help of learning packages that will give step-by-step instructions. The learning materials may include printed worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, blueprints, instructions, demonstrations, and/or lectures.

Practical hands-on training is a large part of the classroom environment. As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after "on-the-job" situations.

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3