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"I did a job shadow and was really interested in the aircraft industry. They remembered me two years later when I came back with my resume."
Apprentices start at about $25,000.00 to $33,000.00 per year. After they become licensed, their wage doubles.nc
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For Dawn Patterson, the best part about being an Aircraft Structures Mechanic for Air BC is the hands-on work. She looks for corrosion on the planes, does inspections, removes damaged parts and does sheet metal repairs. A lot of her job involves fabricating of parts and riveting. There are many tools required and a variety of aircraft to work on.
Prior to this career, Dawn worked in bars as a server, bartender, and restaurant manager. She did a job shadow as part of a technical school course and found a hidden interest in mechanical work. After completing a 2 year technical school program, she was hired into her current position at Air BC. Did you know? Aviation has come a long way in a hundred years. The fuselage of a Boeing 747 is twice as long as the Wright brothers' first flight! A beginner apprentice earns $12-$16/hour. Once licensed, this increases to $25-$30/hour. The benefit to having a license - in addition to higher pay - is that a mechanic can basically work anywhere in the world. One of Dawn's co-workers spends four months working on helicopters internationally in the oil industry.
back to aviation
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SYNOPSIS: After spending years as a bartender and server, Dawn Patterson decided it was time to trade in the tip jar for something completely different. A job shadowing experience revealed a hidden interest in mechanical work. Now, instead of mixing cocktails, Dawn fixes aircraft and their structures. It's a job she credits for giving her freedom, a good salary and overall, a much better life… PERSONAL DATA: Education: Women in Trades course at BCIT Hobbies: Skiing, snowboarding, volleyball, and reading Member of: CAMC (Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council)
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