LONDON, ON, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has partnered with Fanshawe College to deliver aviation maintenance training starting in January 2027. Through this partnership, the civilian college will deliver and maintain a Transport Canada-approved academic curriculum at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden. This program will enhance training for Aviation Systems Technicians, Avionics Systems Technicians, and Aircraft Structures Technicians and develop personnel who are prepared to support today's advanced aircraft and increasingly sophisticated aerospace capabilities in the years ahead.

CFSATE will remain an RCAF military training establishment, whose instructors and staff will continue to lead the training environment, uphold military standards, provide operational context, and deliver military-specific instruction. Instructors from Fanshawe College will deliver curriculum from its Norton Wolf School of Aerospace, Information & Defence Technologies.

The $34.4 million, four-year contract is one of the largest ever awarded to a Canadian post-secondary institution. Through this initiative, CFSATE candidates training in Borden will earn the applicable Fanshawe College credentials associated with the equivalent civilian programs aligned with Canadian civil aerospace standards. Aviators will graduate as qualified technicians prepared to apply their skills in support of RCAF operations.

Quotes

"Investing in the training and professional development of Canadian Armed Forces members is essential to maintaining a modern and ready military. This partnership between the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering and Fanshawe College will provide Royal Canadian Air Force Aviation Systems Technicians, Avionics Systems Technicians, and Aircraft Structures Technicians with valuable credentials while strengthening the skills needed to support air operations across Canada and around the world. It is an innovative collaboration that benefits our personnel, the aerospace sector and Canada's defence capabilities."

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

"Today's announcement marks an important partnership between Fanshawe College and 16 Wing and highlights the strong relationship between the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian post-secondary institutions, and Canada's aerospace sector. This partnership will enable our Air Technicians to earn recognized college credentials while continuing to meet the military training requirements essential to operational effectiveness. By aligning aspects of our training with Canadian civil aerospace standards, we are strengthening the resilience of our training system and helping to develop the skilled, adaptable technicians needed to support the Royal Canadian Air Force's evolving operational requirements."

Colonel Wes Cunningham, Commander, 16 Wing Borden

"This agreement builds on Fanshawe's long-standing relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and reflects the College's commitment to supporting military-connected learners. Together, we are helping develop the highly skilled aerospace and defence workforce that Canada needs today and in the future."

Peter J. Devlin, President of Fanshawe College

"This contract demonstrates how strategic federal procurement can connect government needs with Canadian expertise. Through this partnership between Fanshawe College and the Department of National Defence, we are strengthening Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and creating new training opportunities. Our government will continue to forge new defence partnerships and support Canadian talent, innovation, and long-term value for Canadians."

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) 

Quick Facts

• Up to 282 RCAF students are expected to be enrolled annually in AME courses at CFSATE across three program offerings: Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance diploma, Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance diploma and Aircraft Structural Repair Technician certificate.
  
  
• The diploma programs will be delivered on an accelerated timeline, allowing students to complete all four semesters in a 16-month period, with fall and winter intakes. The certificate program will have two intakes each year, and students will graduate after completing two semesters.
  
  
• Graduates will receive the same Fanshawe College credential awarded to students completing the program through Fanshawe's Norton Wolfe School of Aerospace, Information & Defence Technologies. In addition to classroom instruction, CAF students will have access to the full range of academic services available to other Fanshawe students, including learning management system services and academic advising.
  
  
• Located near Barrie, Ontario, CFB Borden is the CAF's largest military training base. It occupies more than 21,000 acres and trains approximately 20,000 military personnel annually, including members of the Royal Canadian Air Force's 16 Wing within 2 Canadian Air Division.

Associated Links

• The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering | Canada.ca 
• Norton Wolf School of Aerospace, Information & Defence Technologies | Fanshawe College

SOURCE Fanshawe College