Military to Civi Maintenace switch

[chris P]

Hello,

I am a former Military ACS technician who has been out of the service in nova scotia for almost 2 years. after noodling around fabrication and painting work I am looking to try and get back into the aircraft maintenance world and acquire my AME licensing.

Just looking for some information here from experienced technicians so I can make educated decisions moving forward.

I served for 5 years and after my QL3 training (school) I worked in a Hangar in greenwood NS for just under 3 years as an ACS tech which relates to AME-S

what I can find online states that just the ACS QL3 program no longer fully qualifies as a credible basic training recognized by transport Canada. So it is looking like I would need to attend a program, likely through NSCC as I am located in Halifax.

While working as an ACS tech I was also able to get hands on with some AVN's (Mechanics) from time to time and am wondering since I will likely need to attend a program again and I did have interest in the mechanical side of the house that maybe I should do the mechanics course and go for my
AME-M licenses? Would that somehow make my prior structures training irrelevant? or would it make me more appealing to try and find employment as a mechanic apprentice while also holding years of experience in structures. I have also heard Mechanics are sought after more and in higher demand than structures guys more often than not.

I am also looking for any tips to get back into the field in general, I have been applying to most of what I can find in and around aircraft near YHZ from ground handler positions (I was one in BC for almost a decade) to airport security to hangar / warehouse attendants.

A specific scenario I am curious about would be if I do the mechanic program but end up only finding structures opportunities, do you think it would be a shot in the foot since i don't technically qualify as a structures apprentice or am I able to work as one even without the course completed (I know that I wouldn't be able to submit for my license right away) I'm just wondering if i am legally not ALLOWED to work as a structures guy at all without a credible course completed or if its just less likely to land a spot. Much like generic trades don't REQUIRE school to be able to work and begin an apprenticeship rather it looks better to be able to specify some formal training.


If you read my story thanks and I hope to gain some insights from you all. So far there are no programs available until September 2026 but I am eager to get the ball rolling

[-42]

Order the books from ICS or an equivalent institution. Study them and try to challenge the exams. If successful awesome if not go to Stevenson in Manitoba for the “refresher” course. Then write them again. Skip the CARS portion as you can’t be licensed until you have all your tasks according to TC anyways so apply at jobs as an apprentice. At least you’ll have the basic training requirement done then all you have to do is time and the CARS exam. You might have to move for work. I wouldn’t go to a structured school for this type of employment it’s rather unnecessary and imop a cash grab. Good luck.