Bombardier Aerospace Invests In CNA Non-Destructive Testing
November 27th, 2013
Port aux Basques, NL – College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is now at the forefront of non-destructive testing thanks to an investment from aerospace leader Bombardier Aerospace.
Announced today, the $250,000 investment will help further develop the non-destructive testing technician (NDT) facility at the college’s Port aux Basques campus. The investment will be dedicated to NDT training, testing, and research and development in the aerospace field, building upon the campuses existing strength in this discipline and will also continue to build NDT resources within the community.
The investment was facilitated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.
“The provincial government is committed to supporting academic research and infrastructure to enhance opportunities here in Newfoundland and Labrador. College of the North Atlantic, in partnership with Bombardier Aerospace, has consistently been strong contributors to new knowledge and innovation, especially in support of emerging demands in the aerospace sector,” said the Honourable Minister, Charlene Johnson. “Building on Bombardier’s previous investment into the aircraft maintenance engineering technician program offered at the college’s Gander campus, further investment in infrastructure of this nature will strengthen the foundation for future economic prosperity in the growing knowledge-based economy.”
This NDT program is unique in that it is the only NDT centre in Atlantic Canada to provide training and Canadian General Standard Board (CGSB) examinations in the magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, certified exposure device operator, ultrasonics, and radiography disciplines. In addition to the one-year program it also delivers customized contract training to industry.
The investment means the college can expand on the skills students currently obtain while also focusing on NDT testing techniques that are used and emerging with the aerospace industry. The opportunity to introduce students to these components allows them to understand testing techniques specific to the aerospace industry, and to be aware of inspection concerns when testing aircraft components.
“Bombardier Aerospace is proud of its investment into the College of the North Atlantic, which falls in line with Bombardier Aerospace ‘3E approach’: philanthropic initiatives on three subjects, environment, entrepreneurship and of course, education,” said Derek Gilmour, vice president, Strategic Accounts, Specialized and Amphibious aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace.
‘Bombardier believes by contributing to the world of education, this will pay dividends for the future and, through the support of developments and initiatives related to the aerospace and defense industries, will add to Newfoundland and Labrador’s overall growth,” he continued.
The campus has been recognized as a leader in the NDT sector and continues to react to industry demands with the recent acquisition of phased array (automatic UT) inspection equipment. A recent re-evaluation of the first-year program and re-adjustment of the curriculum has allowed the college to align with industry standards and expectations, keeping it in tune with the labour force needs.
“Our graduates have been recognized as some of the best in North America, and we have trained candidates from as far away as the United States and the Netherlands,” said CNA President and CEO, Ann Marie Vaughan. “In order to maintain our position as a leader in the NDT education circle it is imperative that the shop equipment, working environment, and instruction within our programs be exemplary. The commitment demonstrated by Bombardier further acknowledges the college’s existing capabilities in this highly regarded, technical industry.”
For more information on the NDT program, visit www.cna.nl.ca or call 1-888-982-2268.