Manitoba's Top Employers

22 To support the company's growth, StandardAero is actively finishing redesign of a 70,000 square foot facility purchased to accommodate it's need for expansion of additional production and office space, retrofitting another one of their facilities to bring in new helicopter engine work the Winnipeg location has never seen before, and is looking at additional opportunities to expand its facilities to accommodate future growth. "It's never been a more exciting time in our company's 107-year history with the amount of growth we are experiencing," says Stacey McLeish, StandardAero's Vice-President of Human Resources. "There are lots of opportunities for our employees to grow within our company and for others who want to join our StandardAero team," adds McLeish, citing the company is actively recruiting to fill many positions including technical, engineering, professional and leadership opportunities. Because of the way StandardAero both treats its employees and the creative way it recruits new ones, it was named a Manitoba Top Employer once again this year. "We are very proud to continue to be recognized as one of Manitoba's Top Employers," McLeish says. "We take a great deal of pride in it." To support it's recruitment in the industry, StandardAero encourages its employees to refer their friends through the company's employee referral bonus program. "We very much value our employees because they know what our company culture is like and who will fit well with our organization," McLeish says. "We have had a high rate of success and appreciate all the referrals received as we continue to recruit more individuals to join our organization." StandardAero also reaches out to the next generation of employees with apprenticeships and co-ops, paid internships and summer employment opportunities. Two examples include partnering with Tec Voc High School's Aerospace Manufacturing Maintenance Orientation Program (AMMOP) and Maples Collegiate's Aviation Trades and Technology program to offer students the chance to get some real work experience in the aerospace industry through tours, one-day mentorships and dedicated work experience placements, McLeish says. It also offers job opportunities to new grads coming out of college and university programs. In fact, StandardAero was recognized once again this year for being one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, she says. As a result, in an era where many organizations are downsizing, StandardAero continues to grow and expand its workforce, which employs about 1,300 people across seven main facilities in Winnipeg and about 6,000 people globally, McLeish says. StandardAero also encourages its employees to keep their skills sharp through a variety of in-house training initiatives, along with tuition subsidies for courses related directly or indirectly to their current positions. These include technical, professional and leadership training "to enhance their skills," McLeish says. "We're in growth mode in all areas of our business so we're investing significantly in training," she adds. "Aerospace is an industry that continues to evolve and our employees are adaptable and innovative in keeping up with changing demands. McLeish, who has been with the company for 19 years, refers to the work environment as a close-knit family setting where employees collaborate and find ways to have fun with each other in the workplace. That includes enjoying recreational activities together outside of work hours such as paint night outings, organized V.I.P bus tour during Folklorama, fitness bootcamps, hockey, basketball, and softball leagues. StandardAero was recently awarded the Lieutenant Governor Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Business which recognizes excellence in the leadership of Manitoba's corporate community through their business endeavors and civic community leadership. Volunteering opportunities also play a big role in the company's social environment as the company is actively involved in a number of different charities, including the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Winnipeg Harvest, Christmas Cheer Board, Siloam Mission and many more. STANDARDAERO CONTINUES TO GROW IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE BY JIM BENDER An innovative aerospace company in Winnipeg is soaring to new heights as it welcomes growth in all areas of its business. Founded in 1911, StandardAero is one of the aerospace industry's largest independent maintenance, repair and overhaul providers with a large presence in the Manitoba aerospace community.

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