OTTAWA, Feb. 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) converge at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum — one of three museums under Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation — thanks to a new $1.5-million investment and multi-year partnership with NAV CANADA, Canada’s Air Navigation Service Provider.

The partnership aims to inspire the next generation, from all walks of life, to consider a career in aviation. It’s a natural fit to combine NAV CANADA’s efforts with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum’s knowledge, and an opportunity to expose youth to NAV CANADA’s unique role and ground-breaking innovations in the aviation sector.

Through the development of a permanent exhibition at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, an accompanying travelling exhibition, and educational programming and materials, this long-term partnership will raise public awareness about Canada’s dynamic aviation and space industry. Rooted in discovery and innovation, the sector requires new talent to design, develop, deploy, and maintain sophisticated air traffic management technologies, in order to keep Canada’s skies safe for the future.

“With Canadian air traffic on the rise, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in our industry. These are incredibly rewarding jobs; helping people of all ages and backgrounds learn about careers in aviation will bring tremendous benefits to the future of air travel in Canada,” said Neil Wilson, President and CEO of NAV CANADA. “The new exhibition will offer a window into our industry; it will honour the men and women who make Canada’s air navigation service the safest in the world, while offering inspiration for some to become part of Canada’s future aviation story.”

To foster the next generation of industry leaders, innovators, and employees, the museum and NAV CANADA are working together with national industry, government, and academic partners from the Aero/Space Network to engage directly with youth through special events such as Fly to the Future. To mark the launch of the partnership, this two-day Aviation and Space Career Exploration Fair (Feb. 26–27) will offer students the opportunity to meet over 20 exhibitors representing an astounding array of careers in the aviation and aerospace sector.

“Workers in the aviation and space sector play a critical role in the past, present, and future of our aerospace industry — which touches the lives of all Canadians,” said Christina Tessier, President and CEO of Ingenium. “Through high-quality educational programming developed through this partnership with NAV CANADA, we hope to share the important history of this work and inspire a new generation of leaders that can make their mark on the industry.”

Currently under development, the interactive exhibition at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum will engage visitors by showcasing the history of air traffic control, today’s advanced technology and innovations, the many faces behind Canada’s air navigation system, and a glimpse at where the industry is headed. A travelling exhibition, featuring similar artifacts and information, will take a cross-country tour to other museums and public venues across Canada. Both are scheduled to be unveiled in 2020.

About NAV CANADA
NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation. Air traffic management systems developed by NAV CANADA are used by air navigation service providers in countries worldwide.

NAV CANADA is a partner in Aireon LLC, an international joint venture deploying a space based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system that will expand air traffic surveillance to all regions of the globe.

About the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
One of three museums under Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is aptly located at Ottawa’s historic Rockcliffe Airport, which previously functioned as a military air base. The museum takes visitors on a journey through Canada’s aviation and space history — from the early days of flight to the future of space exploration. Spanning 1909 to the present day, the museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context. As Canada’s contribution to aviation expanded to include aerospace technology, the museum’s collection and mandate grew to include space flight. The collection itself consists of more than 130 aircraft and artifacts (propellers, engines) from both civil and military service. The most extensive aviation collection in Canada, it is also considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world.

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