Centennial College and Diamond Aircraft to Collaborate on Training Opportunities

Centennial College and Diamond Aircraft Industries of London, Ontario have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on activities of mutual benefit, including program development, student work placements and research and innovation projects.

As Ontario’s first public college, Centennial has a long history of educating aircraft and avionics technicians accredited by Transport Canada. Diamond Aircraft is a global leader in the general aviation market with its product line of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft designed for specific personal and training applications.

“As a start, work is underway in creating work co-op, placement and capstone opportunities with Diamond Aircraft for students in select Centennial programs,” said Dr. Rahim Karim, Associate Vice President, Partnerships, Pathways and Internationalization at Centennial College. “As well, we are reviewing programming and graduate needs for Diamond to build their talent pipeline.”

Collaborative activities between the two organizations may include program and curriculum development; technical training; staff, faculty and student placements; research and innovation opportunities; donations of equipment or services in kind; and international engagement.

“Diamond Aircraft is excited about our collaboration with Centennial College,” said Scott McFadzean, Chief Executive Officer at Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. “We look forward to working with Centennial on several initiatives and offering co-op and employment opportunities to Centennial students and graduates.”

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.