Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-M Program (AME Maintenance)

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Program

The SD38 Youth TRAIN in Trades Aircraft Maintenance Engineering-M program consists of 16 continuous months with short breaks in December and August. Students are sponsored by Richmond SD38 for their first term (4 months) only. Half of the day is spent on theory discussions, followed by hands-on practical training in the shops and hangar located at BCIT's Aerospace Technology Campus. The program follows a national set of standards approved by Transport Canada (TC). Successful graduation from this program may qualify students for national certification from TC. AME-M licenses will be granted by Transport Canada when applicant has reached age 21, and the required work experience is obtained (view in link found in "Program Details" below).

Application - Youth Train in Trades 2025-26 (PDF)

Program Details

Four 16-week terms FULL TIME (with breaks between terms)
Students must commit to all four terms to be considered for this program
Only the BCIT "May Intake" is available to SD38 dual credit students
Earn 16 high school credits (4 courses) at the grade 12 level for Term 1
Earn Level 1 technical training with SkilledTradesBC (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)
Richmond SD38 pays tuition for first term of program (approx. $2600)
Students are responsible for the cost of program learning resources, safety equipment, and any applicable student fees
Students pay tuition for Terms 2, 3 and 4
Once Transport Canada requirements achieved , become licensed AME-M

Minimum Requirements:

A Language Arts 12 (min 50%) (by program start)
Any Math 11 (min 60%) and Physics 11 (SD38 requires)
Successful result on BCIT Mechanical Reasoning test (view sample BCIT mechanical reasoning test)
Recommended for success: Auto Mechanics 11, any Tech Ed 11
Must have excellent attendance (*see Aviation Attendance Policy below)
Must be a critical thinker, and have an interest in mechanics, math and physics.
Attend program information session (register on-line)
Recommended that students have driver’s license
Participation in Air Cadets a plus.

Program Length / Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm @ BCIT Aerospace Campus (approximately 20 months total)
Term 1 = 16 weeks with additional breaks
Terms 2 - 4 = 48 weeks (plus several weeks of breaks)
View the "May intake term schedule" as a guide

View Program Partner information details here:

BCIT (Aerospace Campus)

*Aviation Attendance Policy:

Attendance policy for all Aviation programs differs from other BCIT programs and is regulated by Transport Canada (TC).

Your attendance will be recorded for each course. Transport Canada allows 5% absenteeism for specific circumstances. If your total program attendance is less than 95%, you will be required to recuperate the lost time through documented supplementary studies; otherwise a U (Unsatisfactory) grade will be entered on your transcript. An unsatisfactory grade in attendance will prohibit you from graduating and receiving your credential.

Canadian Aviation Regulation Standard 566 states:
Students missing more than five per cent of the course curriculum through absence will not qualify for any credit under Transport Canada course approval, unless the lost time is made up through documented supplementary studies, which shall include theory, workshop and laboratory time, equivalent to that missed from the original program. The five per cent absence policy is intended for illness, bereavement, or other circumstances beyond the individual's control.