The AERIAS Internship (Centre for Advancing Engineering, Research and Innovation in Aerospace)
The Centre for Advancing Engineering, Research and Innovation in Aerospace (AERIAS), formerly known as RIADI, connects talented and dedicated engineering students to leading Canadian aerospace companies through paid work placements. By selecting applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment and diverse skill sets, our industry partners trust our students with significant projects—offering you the opportunity to make meaningful contributions in areas such as design and manufacturing while adding real value to the company. Many students leverage their AERIAS-acquired professional experience to secure some of the most sought-after positions in the industry.
Who is eligible?
AERIAS is a competitive program, based on academic excellence. Coveted spots are open to domestic and international students enrolled in second or third year who are in good academic standing. Students in their fourth year must be planning to return to school in the fall semester.
Occasionally, graduate students are also invited to participate, depending on the scope and duration of the specific assignment. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply. Even if you don’t have work or technical experience, your GPA and subject matter interest could be enough to win you a spot in the program.
Note: International applicants must include both a study permit and a work permit in their application. Please note that a Co-op permit is not considered a valid substitute for the required study and work permits.
“I am very impressed by not only the calibre of work being performed by the students, but also by the students themselves. They are articulate. They are confident. They present extremely well. They are really poised for success. I think it says a lot about the quality of training and education the engineering students at Toronto Metropolitan University are receiving.”
Art Studzienny, Chief, Design - Structures, Installations, Interiors and Integration at Bombardier Aerospace (AERIAS employer-partner)
Co-op or AERIAS - Which is right for you?
Information |
Co-operative Internship |
AERIAS |
Student eligibility |
As outlined on the Co-operative Internship page |
|
Duration |
8-16 consecutive months |
4-16 months with possibility of extension |
Compensation |
$38,000 - 52,000 per year |
An hourly wage rate (generally $20/hr although subject to change) |
Academic record |
Enrolled into course WRT 118, 218, 318 and 418 (depending on the placement duration) which appears on transcript. Graded as Pass/Fail; does not impact CGPA. |
Does not appear on transcript, and does not count as a credit towards degree |
Type of experience |
As determined by employer |
Employer to assign student specific project to work on |
AERIAS internship postings are sent to student e-mails. Students interested in applying are required to fill out and submit the application form, along with three mandatory supporting documents.
General applicants must combine three mandatory supporting documents into one PDF and title the PDF as: “FirstNameLastName_GeneralApplicant.” PDFs must be uploaded and submitted with your application form at the application form link.
Note: As a general AERIAS applicant, your application will be re-submitted automatically for future postings and kept on file for precisely one year.
There is no fee for participating.
Unlike the co-operative internship, AERIAS does not count as a credit towards your transcript.
The AERIAS program receives over 200 applications each term from students in the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science. Please take the time to create a well-prepared, innovative and creative application and include these mandatory supporting documents described below. If you require more guidance on how to write a cover letter and resume, Toronto Metropolitan University's Career Centre can help.
1. Cover letter
Address your cover letter to the Centre for Advanced Engineering Research and Innovation in Aerospace. When writing the content, remember that its purpose is different from that of your resume. A cover letter is your opportunity to provide more details about a past experience that may be relevant to AERIAS employment or that highlights specific technical and problem-solving skills that will benefit the industry. Examples may include experience gained working with a Toronto Metropolitan University engineering team (e.g. CASI, RAD, SAE), software you have worked with (e.g. AutoCAD, CATIA, Fluent, Matlab) or programming languages you are familiar with (e.g. C/C++, FORTRAN, HTML, Java, Visual Basic).
2. Resume (please include your citizenship/immigration status)
Be sure to keep your resume brief and relevant to the type of employment AERIAS offers.
Consider including:
- Computer skills – software you are proficient with; programming languages you know.
- Technical skills – machinery you have worked with, such as lathes or CNCs.
- Relevant employment history – professional experience (especially technical) that demonstrates you are dedicated to your work and can perform well on a team
- Relevant extracurricular activities – activities that demonstrate valuable skills for the workplace (including part-time roles, volunteer positions, clubs and associations you were involved in, especially design teams)
- Education history – clearly communicate if you have excelled in any engineering courses or have taken courses in technical fields (such as machining operations)
3. Unofficial transcripts
You can download yours from MyServiceHub.
Placement opportunities
AERIAS facilitates placements with leading Canadian aerospace companies, including Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Collins Aerospace, MHI RJ Aviation, De Havilland, Magellan and more.
Process:
The Director reviews and approves job postings to ensure they provide valuable engineering experience for Toronto Metropolitan University students. Students are hired through a company interview process.
Completion requirements:
Students will have successfully completed the program once the industry supervisor determines the project’s goals have been achieved and the contract term is fulfilled.
Work terms:
Between 4 to 16 months (500 to 2400 hours), year-round.
Compensation:
The hourly wage rate is generally $20 per hour. Students are also compensated for vacation, benefits and statutory holidays.
Key program contacts
Program Director, AERIAS
Dr. Paul Walsh
416 979-5000, ext. 557729
paul.walsh@torontomu.ca
Program Assistant, AERIAS
Jenani Arulpiragasam
ENG-165
416-979-5000 ext. 554907
jarul@torontomu.ca
Career support
The Career Centre offers a wide range of career-readiness support. A dedicated career education specialist can guide you on available tools and services to support your co-operative internship applications. To book appointments and for online tutorials and other information, please visit the Career Centre's website.
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