New edition of proven program will connect more than 1,600 students with real-world aviation careers through Canada's largest airport

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- Toronto Pearson and Ingenium - Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation, are announcing the first aviation education program of its kind built around the operations, employers and workforce ecosystem of a major international airport. The initiative will give more than 1,600 high school students the opportunity to experience the diverse careers that support Canada's largest airport.

Aerospace Experiences: Airport Edition creates a made-in-Toronto model to bring aviation experts directly to student classrooms, sharing information about the technologies and operations that power Canada's aviation sector to stimulate interest in an industry that is building the workforce of tomorrow.

Toronto Pearson and Ingenium are co-developing Aerospace Experiences: Airport Edition, building on Ingenium's successful Aerospace Experiences program that has engaged more than 4,000 students in Ottawa. The initiative will create a scalable aviation career exploration curriculum that can be adapted for future workforce development initiatives.

As Canada's largest airport and one of the country's most significant employment hubs supporting a workforce of more than 52,000 people, Toronto Pearson is well positioned to connect students with careers across the aviation ecosystem. This new initiative also supports Toronto Pearson's role as a major economic engine, helping build the talent pipeline needed to sustain the airport's contribution to jobs, trade, tourism, cargo movement and business connectivity across Canada, spanning careers in aviation, aerospace, technology and skilled trades.

With a strong focus on inclusion and access, the program is designed to engage students who are underrepresented in STEM fields, as well as newcomers and youth from underserved communities. Through direct connections with industry professionals, students will gain exposure to the wide range of career opportunities available in aviation and aerospace, many of which they may not otherwise encounter.

Beginning in fall 2026, the partners will co-develop curriculum and learning experiences that introduce students to careers in aviation, with a focus on areas such as aircraft and airfield operations, customer and passenger services, safety and emergency services and skilled trades and facilities maintenance. Beginning in spring 2027 and continuing through spring 2028, Toronto Pearson professionals will bring these experiences directly into Toronto high school classrooms, helping students explore career pathways and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

The program will be delivered through three pathways:

Engage: Open Air Explorations that introduce students to aviation, aerospace and airport careers through classroom presentations, career conversations and direct interaction with Toronto Pearson professionals.

Empower: Aerospace Academy workshop days featuring experiential learning activities, skills development and direct interaction with industry experts and airport professionals.

Embed: A student showcase that enables participants to apply and demonstrate their learning by presenting solutions to real-world aviation and airport challenges.

Program at a Glance

• More than 1,600 students reached by 2028
• First airport-based adaptation of Ingenium's Aerospace Experiences program
• Aerospace Experiences: Airport Edition is co-developed by Toronto Pearson and Ingenium
• Three program delivery waves beginning in Spring 2027
• Fifty per cent participation target from equity-deserving communities
• Customized to reflect the operations and workforce ecosystem of Canada's largest airport

Quotes

"As Canada's largest airport, we are a major driver of jobs, trade, tourism and economic growth. With an airport workforce of more than 52,000 people, where growth from LIFT will create another 12,000 jobs, today's students will be tomorrow's aviation professionals. Through our Canada Aviation and Space Museum partnership: Aerospace Experiences: Airport Edition, students will see and experience the range of careers connected to an airport ecosystem, these impressions can be life changing for how young people believe in themselves and their futures. We are proud to open the doors to our youth – the aviation workforce of the future." says Deborah Flint, CEO of Toronto Pearson Airport.

"Aerospace Experiences: Airport Edition shows what can happen when museums, educators, and industry come together with a shared commitment to the next generation. This program gives students more than a glimpse into aerospace; it gives them confidence, context, and real points of connection to the people and places shaping Canada's aviation sector. By turning curiosity into meaningful experience, we can help more young people see these careers within reach and inspire them to imagine the role they can play in Canada's next chapter of innovation." – Chris Kitzan, Director General, Canada Aviation and Space Museum

About Toronto Pearson

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses, and goods. Toronto Pearson has been recognized as one of the best airports in North America eight times in the last nine years by Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world's airports. Toronto Pearson continues to be recognized as a top workplace, earning a spot on Forbes' "Canada's Best Employers" for the past three years. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

About Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation

Ingenium oversees three national museums of science and innovation in Ottawa: the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Through exhibitions, programs, outreach, and a national collection spanning soil to space, Ingenium creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect with science, technology, and innovation.

SOURCE Toronto Pearson