'A huge need right now': MRU hoping new aviation degree helps meet industry demand
Mount Royal University (MRU) is hopeful its new four-year aviation management degree can help fill a need in the industry.
“The aviation industry is really dying for pilots, for trained professionals who can talk about aviation who can be involved in aviation. There's a huge need right now,” Mark Benson, an assistant professor in the faculty of business, communication and aviation at MRU, said.
The school hosted an Aviation Day event at its Springbank campus on Saturday, offering a panel, information sessions and networking opportunities for those interested in starting a career in aviation.
“Today we have industry professionals, some of our students, some of our faculty members, some of our instructors, and a lot of prospective students here, just to talk about the future of aviation training in Alberta (and the) future of aviation training at Mount Royal University,”
The school is launching the new four-year program in the fall, expanding on an existing two-year diploma program that focuses on flight training.
“We recognize that being a pilot is incredibly important. And there are a lot of opportunities out there right now for pilots. But being a pilot also means you have to have a lot of other skills,” Kelly Williams-Whit, the dean of the faculty of business and communication studies and aviation at MRU, said.
“Building on some of those skills, we're creating opportunities for people to move into other aspects of the industry.”
The event was MRU’s first aviation day. You can visit MRU’s website for more information about its aviation programs.
With files from CTV News Calgary's Tyler Barrow
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario
Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.
Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns; no detections confirmed
As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and this year, the bugs are looking especially big.
Minister tables bill to extend citizenship rights to children born abroad
Immigration Minister Marc Miller tabled legislation today that is intended to extend citizenship to some children born outside of the country.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
Hundreds have applied for this 'adventurer' job in Banff National Park
Coined as Banff's 'ultimate summer job,' the Moraine Lake Bus Company says hundreds of people from across the world have applied for its adventurer position.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
Jennifer Lopez's response to question about Ben Affleck is a reminder of their decades of love in the spotlight
Plenty of people are wondering if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are having problems in their marriage, but one person had the nerve to ask in a public forum.
U.S. Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans
The U.S. Justice Department filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Thursday, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America -- squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.
Adding just 10% ultraprocessed foods to healthy diets may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.