10 MAR 2017: Porter Airlines is partnering with a number of Canadian flight training programmes to help prepare aspiring pilots for success. Destination Porter is a mentorship programme introduced to students early in flight training through outreach sessions and open houses hosted by experienced Porter pilots. Pilots share their career paths and offer advice, while discussing future career opportunities.

Students have an opportunity to apply to Destination Porter after successfully completing their flight training programme. They must provide academic transcripts and flight test reports, and demonstrate a high level of professionalism. Successful applicants are paired with a Porter pilot mentor and are guaranteed an interview for a First Officer position at Porter when they have met certain flying experience criteria.

“There is a need for qualified pilots across Canada as the industry grows,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines.

“Porter pilots are investing their time as mentors to help the next generation navigate their own career paths. Becoming a pilot takes determination, hard work and personal commitment. It is a labour of passion, which I can personally attest to as a pilot myself.”

Destination Porter hosts an exclusive event for students who are accepted into the programme, where they have the opportunity to meet experienced pilots and executives, and learn about the culture and benefits of working at Porter.

Destination Porter is currently partnered with eight flight training schools:

Algonquin College
Brampton Flight Centre (IATPL programme)
Moncton Flight College
Ottawa Aviation Services (IATP programme)
Sault College
Seneca College
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (University of Waterloo and Conestoga College)
Western University

Porter recently introduced the Porter Star Award at each partnering school. Students are recognized for academic achievements and their contributions towards helping others. Candidates are peer-nominated and the winner is selected by each school’s administration. Porter Star Award recipients receive a bursary up to $1,000, presented by a Porter Pilot Ambassador during graduation ceremonies.

The first Porter Star Award was presented to Darren Moorcroft, from the Brampton Flight Centre IATPL programme, on Feb. 27, at his Wings Ceremony