Air Canada has achieved a significant milestone by being named one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026 by Mediacorp for the third consecutive year. This prestigious award underscores the airline's unwavering commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive and develop their leadership potential in the aviation industry.
Sustained Excellence in Youth Employment
The recognition from Mediacorp, a leading authority on employer rankings in Canada, validates Air Canada's progressive human resources initiatives. These programs are specifically designed to attract, nurture, and retain young talent, ensuring a robust pipeline of future leaders for the company and the broader aviation sector.
Innovative Programs Driving Success
Air Canada's comprehensive approach includes a range of innovative offerings that set it apart as an employer of choice for young professionals. Key initiatives highlighted in the award evaluation include:
- Paid Internship Programs: The airline offers paid internships across various disciplines, providing hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. In the past year alone, Air Canada welcomed over 100 interns from universities across Canada through its Work Integrated Learning Program, which aims to expand the talent pool by offering valuable work experience to post-secondary students.
- Language Training and Skill Development: Unique benefits for students include access to online training options, such as opportunities to strengthen second language skills and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Workshops with the talent team cover essential topics like optimizing CVs and LinkedIn profiles, as well as interview preparation techniques.
- Buddy System for Integration: To help young professionals seamlessly integrate into the organization, Air Canada has implemented a buddy system that pairs new hires with experienced employees, fostering mentorship and support from day one.
- Ongoing Engagement Events: The airline promotes continuous engagement through various events throughout the year, including in-person networking opportunities at its training centre, museum, and hangar. A career orientation event provides an overview of available career paths and professional development opportunities, helping young employees chart their future within the company.
Leadership Perspective on the Achievement
Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada, expressed pride in the recognition. "We are very proud of our progressive HR programs, which again have earned Air Canada recognition as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People. We're encouraged to see so many young people choosing careers in the aviation industry! There has never been a more exciting time to build a future in this field, especially as Air Canada embarks on our New Frontiers growth phase. To support delivering our strategic plans, Air Canada has invested in continually evolving programs to develop and support the cross-functional skills required for the next generation to lead in the future," she said.
Evaluation Criteria for Top Employer Awards
Each employer was rigorously evaluated by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers based on the programs they offer to attract and retain younger workers. The assessment criteria include benefits such as tuition assistance, the availability of co-op or work-study programs, mentorship and training initiatives, and career management programs that help younger workers advance more quickly within the organization. Air Canada's consistent performance across these areas has solidified its reputation as a leader in youth employment.
This third consecutive win not only highlights Air Canada's dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for young people but also positions the airline as a key player in shaping the future of the aviation workforce in Canada. As the industry evolves, such initiatives are crucial for building a skilled and motivated team ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities.
