The Kelowna Aerospace Growth Initiative (KAGI) seeks to bolster the Okanagan’s aerospace sector
A collaboration between the Okanagan aerospace industry and UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering aims to strengthen ties between the region’s research and educational institutions, aerospace companies, and the government agencies supporting the aerospace sector.
“The Okanagan, and Kelowna in particular, has a thriving aerospace industry that for the past two decades has really taken flight,” explains Joshua Brinkerhoff, an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering and coordinator of the School of Engineering’s aerospace option. “The goal of the initiative is to ensure that the talented people, resources, and funding needed to grow the region’s aerospace sector are readily available, and that shared challenges can be identified through partnership and collaboration.
Brinkerhoff says UBC has been fortunate to have strong partners across the Okanagan who are committed to building and foster the sector. “Like seemingly every industry, aerospace is going through a transformation that requires a future workforce with different skillsets.”
Partners such as KF Aero, SkyTrac Systems, Okanagan College and UBC have all committed to KAGI with a focus on strengthening the regional aerospace ecosystem.