Centennial is one of Canada’s top schools for research and innovation, and in line with our vision to transform lives and communities, we continue to focus our applied research activities on real world solutions across significant sectors — including the aviation and aerospace sector.
The aerospace-manufacturing sector is one of the most research and development (R&D) intensive sectors in the Canadian economy, and Canada is home to many aerospace companies that have a well-deserved global reputation for quality, performance and reliability. Right here in Ontario, aerospace industry members work closely with academia — including Centennial research teams — to develop and commercialize new products and technology. According to the Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC), Ontario’s aerospace sector directly employs over 25,000 people, and the 200+ member companies of the OAC represent more than 70% of the Ontario aerospace industry employment base.
Centennial has been a leader in aviation for more than 40 years, and we continue to move forward in aviation and aerospace as a focus area of activity. Programs at our Downsview Campus are not yet commonly available outside Canada, and their variety and scope place Centennial at the forefront of Aviation and Aerospace training in Canada. Our students and research teams are using technology and science such as additive manufacturing to decrease our carbon footprint, and ultimately change the world.
Daniel Henning, a student of Mechanical Engineering Technology, engaged with ARIES as a paid Co-op Student Engineer, says: “Working at ARIES allowed me to work with actual industry engineers and discuss the company's expectations concerning documentation and testing practices. The most important skill that I learned on the project was managing a complex R&D project. Using the skills learned in class, I could expand on the previous knowledge and use it in an actual practical application.”
“Working with the ARIES has been such a fulfilling learning experience,” adds Matthew Thurston, another aerospace student researcher. “I truly believe that I would have graduated Centennial with a fraction of the knowledge and experience I know now if I hadn’t worked on applied research projects.”
To learn more about aerospace research activity at Centennial, visit this webpage.