Ayden Rooks and Steve Donovan pose for a photo on the Foremost UAS Test Range.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
@MedicineHatNews
Aerospace students will have a new opportunity in 2024 and 2025 to become an intern at the Foremost Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Range, thanks to a new program.
In partnership with the Village of Foremost, Community Futures Entre-Corp has launched its Rural Aerospace Intern Program, via the Rural Aerospace Development (RAD) Project
The inaugural intern in 2024 is Ayden Rooks, from the Bow Island area. Rooks is currently studying for his Bachelor of Science Aerospace Engineering, and began his 16-week work term in Foremost on May 6. When class is in session, Rooks lives in Florida, attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Both the Foremost UAS Test Range and Community Futures Entre-Corp are thrilled the RAD project was able to attract Rooks back to the region.
“This has already taught me about the different opportunities in the Canadian UAS market. It informs me how to work with these companies and it betters my education. I’ve talked to companies in Canada that I had no idea existed, and I’ve already had interesting experiences being in this program,” says Rooks.
There are only two test ranges in the country, said Steve Donovan, operations manager at the Foremost UAS Test Range. He added the program is a great benefit to their operation, and brings value for both them and the students.
“Students get a firsthand view for themselves of what’s available in the drone industry in Alberta,” said Donovan. “Ayden has talked to engineers to see how designs are conceptually put together, and then go through testing. We also hope this program attracts workforce for the range and the region. Students with this type of background in the future may be interested in working here again.”
Many aerospace companies do call this corner of Alberta home, due to proximity to the the test range and CFB-Suffield, though many support resources in the province are still in larger urban centres.
“The Community Futures Rural Aerospace Development Project was based on a desire to make sure rural aerospace companies receive a comparable level of support as major urban centres,” said Roger Haessel, Rural Aerospace Development manager, Community Futures Entre-Corp. “We see the RAD aerospace intern component as an important step in attracting top talent and growing the aerospace industry in the region.”
