This blog provides a comprehensive list of AME courses in Canada, covering their types, institutions offering them, fees, career opportunities, and frequently asked questions. Whether you are a Canadian student or an international aspirant, this guide will help you understand the scope of AME training in Canada.

List of AME Courses in Canada

1. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Category M (Mechanical)

One of the most popular AME courses in Canada, the Category M program focuses on training students in mechanical aspects of aircraft. The curriculum covers engine maintenance, hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls, and landing gear systems. Students gain hands-on experience working on live aircraft in hangars.

• Duration: 18–24 months

• Institutions: Centennial College, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), SAIT Polytechnic

• Career Path: Licensed AME-M professional, airline maintenance engineer, MRO technician, aviation inspector.

This course prepares graduates to take the Transport Canada examinations required for licensing.

2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Category E (Avionics)

The Category E program is designed for those passionate about aviation electronics and avionics systems. It covers aircraft communication systems, navigation instruments, autopilot systems, and electronic testing.

• Duration: 18–24 months

• Institutions: Northern Lights College, Centennial College, Mohawk College

• Career Path: Avionics technician, AME-E licence holder, aircraft electrical systems specialist, avionics design consultant.

The demand for avionics engineers is increasing as modern aircraft rely heavily on electronic and digital systems.

3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Category S (Structures)

This program focuses on aircraft structural maintenance. Students learn sheet metal work, welding, composite repair, and corrosion prevention. With growing use of composite materials in aviation, this field is highly relevant.

• Duration: 18–24 months

• Institutions: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Centennial College

• Career Path: AME-S professional, aircraft structural technician, aerospace manufacturing specialist.

4. Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance (Diploma)

Some Canadian colleges offer diploma programs in aviation technology that prepare students for AME licensing exams. These are broader programs covering both theory and practical aspects of aircraft maintenance.

• Duration: 2 years

• Institutions: Centennial College (Ontario), SAIT Polytechnic (Calgary), Confederation College (Thunder Bay)

• Career Path: Junior AME, airline maintenance technician, aircraft overhaul technician.

5. Avionics Maintenance Technology

This specialised program focuses solely on avionics maintenance and troubleshooting. It is ideal for students interested in electrical systems rather than mechanical repairs.

• Duration: 2 years

• Institutions: BCIT, Northern Lights College

• Career Path: Licensed AME-E professional, avionics support specialist, airline electronics engineer.

6. Aircraft Structures Technician Program

This is a certificate or diploma program focused on structural repair, metal fabrication, and composites. Students learn hands-on techniques essential for working in aerospace manufacturing and repair facilities.

• Duration: 1–2 years

• Institutions: BCIT, Centennial College

• Career Path: AME-S technician, aircraft sheet metal worker, aerospace composites specialist.

7. Helicopter Maintenance Engineering (Specialised Course)

While most AME programs focus on fixed-wing aircraft, some Canadian institutions offer helicopter maintenance courses. Training includes rotary engine systems, rotor assemblies, and helicopter avionics.

• Duration: 18–24 months

• Institutions: SAIT Polytechnic, Northern Lights College

• Career Path: Helicopter AME, rotorcraft technician, offshore aviation engineer.

8. Continuing Education & Transport Canada Approved AME Training

Some colleges provide short courses and continuing education programs for licensed AMEs or aviation technicians. These include refresher programs, avionics upgrades, and composite material workshops.

• Duration: Varies (few weeks to months)

• Institutions: BCIT, SAIT, Centennial College

• Career Path: Advanced AME, specialised MRO expert, aviation trainer.

Why Study AME in Canada?

Before diving into the list of courses, it’s important to understand why Canada is a preferred destination for AME training:

• Globally Recognised Licence: Transport Canada-certified AME courses are respected worldwide.

• Growing Aviation Sector: Canada’s aviation industry continues to expand, creating demand for skilled engineers.

• Modern Training Facilities: Aviation schools in Canada are equipped with advanced labs, hangars, and aircraft models.

• Employment Opportunities: Graduates can work in airlines, MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul), aircraft manufacturing companies, and even defence sectors.

• Pathway to Immigration: Canada offers post-graduation work permits (PGWP) and skilled worker immigration routes for AME professionals.

Types of AME Courses in Canada

Transport Canada categorises AME courses into three primary categories, each with specialised training areas:

1. AME – Category M (Maintenance)

   • Focus: Mechanical systems, engines, hydraulics, landing gear, flight controls.

   • Role: Maintenance and repair of aircraft structures and mechanical systems.

2. AME – Category E (Avionics)

   • Focus: Electrical and electronic systems, communication, navigation, instrumentation.

   • Role: Troubleshooting and repairing avionics systems on aircraft.

3. AME – Category S (Structures)

   • Focus: Aircraft structures, sheet metal, composites, welding, and repairs.

   • Role: Inspecting and repairing structural components of aircraft.

Top Institutions Offering AME Courses in Canada

1. Centennial College (Toronto, Ontario) – Offers Category M, E, and Structures programs.

2. British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT, Vancouver) – Known for world-class aircraft maintenance hangars.

3. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT, Calgary) – Offers mechanical and avionics-focused training.

4. Northern Lights College (Dawson Creek, BC) – Strong focus on avionics and helicopter maintenance.

5. Confederation College (Thunder Bay, Ontario) – Aviation maintenance diploma programs with hands-on training.

6. Mohawk College (Hamilton, Ontario) – Offers avionics technology and maintenance programs.

AME Course Fees in Canada

The cost of AME programs varies depending on the institution and type of program:

• Domestic Students: CAD $8,000 – $15,000 per year

• International Students: CAD $18,000 – $28,000 per year

• Additional Costs: Books, safety equipment, lab fees, and examination charges.

Career Opportunities After AME in Canada

Graduates of AME programs in Canada have diverse career opportunities:

• Airlines (Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines)

• Aircraft Maintenance & Repair Organisations (MROs)

• Aerospace manufacturing companies (Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada)

• Defence and military aviation

• Private charter companies

• International opportunities (since Transport Canada licences are highly recognised)

How to Apply for AME Courses in Canada

1. Meet Academic Requirements: High school diploma with mathematics, physics, and English.

2. Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores for international students.

3. Apply to Colleges: Through official college websites or study portals.

4. Secure a Study Permit: International students must apply for a Canadian study permit.

5. Prepare for Licensing Exams: After graduation, students must pass Transport Canada exams for AME licensing.

Future of AME in Canada

The aviation sector in Canada is projected to grow steadily, with an increasing need for skilled AMEs. Boeing and Airbus forecast that the global aviation industry will require hundreds of thousands of new maintenance engineers in the next two decades. Canada, being an aviation training hub, is well-positioned to meet this demand.

FAQs on AME Courses in Canada

1. What is the duration of AME courses in Canada?
Most AME programs last between 18 to 24 months.

2. Can international students study AME in Canada?
Yes, Canadian colleges accept international students for AME programs.

3. What is the salary of AMEs in Canada?
Entry-level AMEs earn around CAD $45,000 – $55,000 annually, with experienced engineers earning over CAD $80,000.

4. Is AME a good career in Canada?
Yes, AME professionals are in demand due to the growing aviation industry and retiring workforce.

5. Which AME category is best for future scope?
Avionics (E) has high demand due to increasing digitalisation in aircraft, but Mechanical (M) and Structures (S) also offer strong career prospects

Conclusion

Pursuing an AME course in Canada is an excellent pathway for students interested in aviation technology and aircraft safety. With globally recognised licences, advanced training facilities, and strong career prospects, Canada continues to attract students worldwide. Whether you choose Mechanical (M), Avionics (E), or Structures (S), the opportunities in the aviation sector are vast and rewarding.