Aviation and Aerospace SHSM
Explore how you can set goals and reflect on your experiences in the Aviation and Aerospace SHSM to not only earn your specialized diploma but also achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Canada at the same time!
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Aviation and aerospace certifications, flight simulation, aircraft design projects, technology training, and industry placements focused on flight operations, engineering, or aerospace systems.
Example SMART Goal: Over the next 13 weeks, I will spend one hour a week developing my aviation safety and technical skills by completing certifications and flight simulations through SHSM placements.
Example Assessor: SHSM Lead
Example log for ORB: Worked on my Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C, including automated external defibrillation (AED) today.
Physically active experiences such as aircraft maintenance tasks, hands-on technical work, and team-based simulation or field activities that build coordination, focus, and endurance in applied settings.
Example SMART Goal: For 13 weeks, I will spend one hour per week improving my physical preparedness by practicing ergonomic positions essential for safe aircraft maintenance and operations.
Example Assessor: SHSM Instructor or Placement Supervisor.
Example log for ORB: Today I practiced optimal lifting and stretching techniques to prevent strain during aircraft inspections.
Volunteering through aviation events, museums, STEM outreach, or community programs that promote aerospace learning, innovation, and engagement with the broader community.
Example SMART Goal: I will volunteer 1 hour each week assisting with an SHSM-organized aviation safety presentation for local schools, educating students on flight safety and careers in aerospace.
Example Assessor: SHSM Supervisor or Safety Instructor.
Example log for ORB: Helped prepare and present an aviation safety workshop, focusing on emergency response procedures for high school students.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
An aviation and aerospace exploration where your team travels on foot to visit aviation-related sites such as airports, aerospace facilities, or museums. You’ll learn about flight, aircraft design, and aerospace technology, and reflect on how teamwork and innovation drive the industry forward.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey visiting at least two aviation or aerospace-related sites. We’ll observe and document how aircraft or aerospace systems are designed and operated, speak with industry professionals where possible, and reflect on how we collaborated to plan and complete the journey.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Aviation or Aerospace Industry Partner, or Approved Award Leader
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Exploring aviation and aerospace helped us understand how much teamwork and precision go into flight and technology. We improved at dividing roles like navigation and documentation. Next time, we’d prepare more in advance by researching the sites and planning our questions more carefully.
Career Pathways
- Aircraft instrument, electrical, and avionics mechanics, technicians, and inspectors 2244
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 7315
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 7231
- Sheet metal workers technician 7233
- Welders and related machine operators 7237
- Air pilot, flight engineer, and flying instructors 2271
- Air traffic controllers and related occupations 2272
- Aircraft instrument, electrical, and avionics mechanics, technicians, and inspectors 2244
- Electronic service technicians 2242
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians 2232
- Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians 2261
- Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters 7235
- Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology 2255
- Aerospace engineers 2146
- Electrical and electronics engineers 2133
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers 2141
- Mechanical engineers 2132
- Air traffic controllers and related occupations 2272
- Air transport ramp attendants 7437
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors 9521
- Airline ticket and service agents 6523
- Material handlers 7452
- Transportation route and crew schedulers 1526
