Eurocopter Canada and BCIT announce a new specialized training program in
airframe and engine maintenance.

RICHMOND , BC, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) announced a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the future development of a specialized training program in airframe and engine maintenance.

"This agreement is an example of how important partnerships can be in meeting demand for training programs," said the Honourable Moira Stilwell , Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. "Through programs like the ones offered at BCIT, we will be able to provide students with the opportunity for training while developing skilled workers for the aerospace industry."

The Memorandum of Understanding between the two partners was officially signed this morning at BCIT's Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond - the facility where instructors and students will have the opportunity to take part in Eurocopter's intensive training program in airframe and engine maintenance. The Eurocopter and Transport Canada-approved courses will leverage Eurocopter's recognized technology to teach the next generation of aerospace technicians.

"This will allow us to better position our students for future success to support BC's ever-expanding aerospace industry," said BCIT President Don Wright . "By continuing to build our curriculum alongside one of the leading helicopter manufacturers, we are ensuring British Columbians receive an extraordinary return on their investment in BCIT."

With over 30 per cent of Canada's helicopters located in British Columbia, this agreement will enhance BCIT's maintenance programs by allowing students to learn and train on the newest helicopter technology. As one of Canada's largest helicopter companies and the only helicopter manufacturer with a facility in British Columbia, Eurocopter will be providing and administering the training program to BCIT's instructors and course materials, as well as funding admissions.

"Eurocopter has steadily increased its presence in British Columbia with the expansion of our logistics and training centre in Richmond ," said Marie-Agnès Vève, president and CEO of Eurocopter Canada . "Through this agreement with BCIT, we have the opportunity to share our expertise, gained through years of experience, in the hopes of increasing flight safety and encouraging interest in becoming part of this dynamic industry."

    
    About ECL and Eurocopter
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Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada - based in Fort Erie, Ontario - has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Canada celebrates 2009 as its 25th anniversary year. Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros , orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's products account for 30 per cent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

    
    About BCIT
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The British Columbia Institute of Technology has produced more than 120,000 career-ready graduates since 1964. With a mission to build pathways for career success in the global marketplace through teaching excellence and applied education and research, BCIT is the largest public post-secondary institute in the province, with 48,000 students enrolled annually. BCIT offers more than 400 full-time, part-time and distance education programs that lead to a comprehensive range of credentials up to and including master's degrees. BCIT's career-oriented programs in business and media, computing and information technology, engineering, applied and natural sciences, health sciences, and trades, vocational and apprenticeship are developed in consultation with industry advisory committees, making BCIT integral to the economic, social and environmental prosperity of British Columbia.

Websites: www.eurocopter.com

www.eurocopter.ca

www.bcit.ca

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: media can contact: Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL), Laura SENECAL, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]; Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL), Henri HOUZET, Tel: [phone], [email protected]; Eurocopter Group, Cécile VION-LANCTUIT, Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51, Cell: + 33 (0)6 72 83 90 67, [email protected]; British Columbia Institute of Technology, Kelly FRIDAY, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]