Jazz and Air Cadet League of Canada sign pilot pathway agreement

Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz) announced that it has signed an agreement with the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) for the organization to become the 10th partner in the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program (Jazz APP).

This agreement includes two new annual national scholarship opportunities for successful graduates of the ACLC Power Flight program, continued funding of the ACLC Power Scholarships program, and ongoing support of the ACLC.

“Strengthening our relationship with the Air Cadet League of Canada to provide a clear career pathway for future professional pilots in their high school years is an important step for our program,” said Steve Linthwaite, vice-president, flight operations, Jazz. “Our experience shows that the ACLC provides valuable life skills to a diverse group of young people right across this country. We’re proud to support two of their top air cadets by rewarding their commitment to maintaining high standards of flying, professionalism and discipline.”

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism is awarded to a full-time student accepted and enrolled in a Jazz APP-affiliated aviation program for outstanding contributions to safety, leadership and professionalism. The award consists of a $3,000 scholarship and the recipient will be selected by the Air Cadet League of Canada in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected.

The Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity is awarded to a full-time student accepted and enrolled in a Jazz APP-affiliated aviation program who has self-identified as Aboriginal, a person with a disability, a visible minority, or female; for outstanding contributions to safety, leadership and professionalism. The award consists of a $3,000 scholarship and the recipient will be selected by the Air Cadet League of Canada in consultation with Jazz to ensure the criteria as outlined are respected.

These scholarships build on the existing relationship between Jazz and the ACLC. In 2012, Jazz began supporting the ACLC by funding one annual Power Familiarization Pilot Upgrade Scholarship valued at $2,500.

Additionally, Jazz will continue the ACLC commitment to educate and enhance awareness of career opportunities for cadets and ACLC members, and encouraging Jazz employees to support their local ACLC squadron through the provision of various resources.

The Jazz APP now provides a clear pathway for high school students active in air cadets to a career with a commercial carrier. This is made possible through agreements with eight aviation colleges and universities, and industry partners Wasaya Airways and Air Canada.

“We are extremely grateful to Jazz for the new scholarships that provide a tremendous benefit and opportunity to young Air Cadets,” said Don Berrill, president of the Air Cadet League of Canada, who work in partnership with the Department of National Defence to deliver the program. “The great relationship that we have with Jazz continues to prosper as both organizations look toward opportunities to help each other and provide leadership to the youth of Canada. These scholarships will give Air Cadets an exciting career path to pursue in the future as they leave our program and make their way to becoming future pilots in our important aviation industry.”

Since 2007, Jazz has been actively involved in shaping the curriculum and training of Canada’s future professional pilots through active engagement with aviation colleges and universities. In 2015, Jazz rebranded these efforts under the Jazz Aviation Pathway Program banner.

To date, Jazz has announced agreements between the Jazz APP and the following institutions and organizations: Air Cadet League of Canada, Algonquin College, Centre québécois de formation aéronautique, Confederation College, Mount Royal University, Okanagan College, Sault College, Seneca College, Wasaya Airways and Western University.