Meet Prabhakaran: Canadore Aviation Grad Now Soaring with WestJet
Apr 1, 2025
Moving to Canada in 2019 marked the beginning of an exciting yet challenging journey. North Bay, Ontario became the starting point of my adventure, a city known for its welcoming community and strong aviation heritage. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a supportive learning environment, North Bay provided the perfect setting to focus on my education and career aspirations.
My passion for aviation led me to Canadore Aviation North Bay, where I enrolled in the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program. Over two years, I gained the technical expertise and hands-on experience needed to thrive as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. The comprehensive training and mentorship I received at Canadore prepared me for the challenges of the aviation industry and gave me the confidence to work on complex aircraft systems with precision and safety.
While studying at Canadore, I worked part-time night shifts at convenience store & pizza shop to support my living expenses and Tuition fees. Despite the challenges, my dedication to aviation kept me motivated and focused on my goals.
After graduating in 2021, I was fortunate to secure an AME-Apprentice position at Springer Aerospace in Echo Bay, even during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 period. There, I gained invaluable hands-on experience, which helped me grow as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Later, in 2023, I joined JD Aero in Sault Ste. Marie, where I continued refining my skills and expanding my knowledge in the aviation industry. One of the significant milestones during my time at JD Aero was earning my AME M2 license.
In early 2025, I was honored to be hired by WestJet, one of Canada’s leading airlines. Today, I am proud to contribute to the aviation sector by ensuring the highest safety and maintenance standards. My journey from a passionate student to a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer has been both challenging and rewarding.
I am incredibly grateful to Canadore Aviation for the solid foundation it provided. The knowledge, mentorship, and experience I gained there played a crucial role in shaping my career.
To aspiring AMEs, I would say—hard work, perseverance, and a passion for aviation will take you far!”
— Prabhakaran Kandasamy Graduate of Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance, Class of 2021