Fanshawe renames aerospace school to reflect growing focus on defence, information technology

Fanshawe renames aerospace school to reflect growing focus on defence, information technology

College says change reflects growing demand for graduates in aerospace, cybersecurity, AI and defence sectors

Fanshawe College is expanding the scope of one of its signature schools, betting that the future of aerospace lies as much in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as it does in aircraft maintenance.

The London, Ont., college has renamed the Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology as the Norton Wolf School of Aerospace, Information and Defence Technologies, following an academic realignment that brings its aviation programs together with the School of Information Technology.

College officials said the move reflects the rapid convergence of aerospace, digital technologies and national security, while positioning graduates for a changing job market.

"Today's aerospace industry extends far beyond aircraft," said Stephen Patterson, dean of the faculty of science, trades, technology and design. "Innovation increasingly happens where aerospace, information technology and defence intersect."

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The renamed school will teach roughly 2,200 students across 15 programs, combining existing aviation training with programs in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics and other digital technologies.

Patterson said the change is also designed to capitalize on southwestern Ontario's growing aerospace and defence sector.

Many people don't realize the region is already home to a significant aerospace and defence ecosystem, he said, pointing to organizations including London International Airport, Diamond Aircraft, the International Test Pilots School, General Dynamics Land Systems, Western University and Fanshawe itself.

"We believe we have the ability to create the talent pipeline for the future right here in London, Ont.," said Patterson.

While the addition of "defence" to the school's name may prompt people to think of military careers, Patterson said the focus is broader than that.

Instead, the college is looking to support the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce that underpin Canada's defence sector, including cybersecurity, supply chains, information systems and advanced manufacturing.

"Our job is to make sure that we support the talent pipeline and the supply chains that make Canada strong," he said.

The realignment also reflects emerging career opportunities that barely existed a decade ago.

Patterson pointed to growing demand for specialists in remotely piloted aircraft systems, drone data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted aircraft design and maintenance, cybersecurity and technologies supporting low-Earth orbit space systems.

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The college also expects continued demand for commercial aviation graduates. Patterson noted that about 38 per cent of Canada's commercial pilots are over the age of 50, with Statistics Canada projecting the country will need about 6,000 additional commercial pilots by 2035.

The renaming could also help Fanshawe access new funding opportunities tied to Canada's growing investment in defence and advanced technologies.

"We absolutely want to be able to deliver high-quality programs with strong value and strong outcomes," Patterson said.

Travis Dolynny is the executive producer at CBC London. You can email him at travis.dolynny@cbc.ca.