Technical Operations
At WestJet, we continue to cultivate a safe, welcoming and respectful workplace that values diversity and inclusion. Part of how we do that is by abiding by our policies and procedures, including our Code of Business Conduct, Alcohol and Drug Policy and Respect in the Workplace Policy.
As part of WestJet’s Tech Ops team, you perform daily maintenance on our aircraft fleet while making safety a top priority.
Next Steps
You've signed your offer letter, what happens next?
Up to two weeks prior to your start date, you will receive an email from one of the Line Maintenance coordinators, which will include:
- Your employee number
- Start date
- Location and a tool drop off map
- Your schedule for the first couple of weeks
- Photo ID request form to get your employee ID card started
During your first week, you will sit with the Line Maintenance coordinator and review all the onboarding and non-technical information you will need as a new WestJetter which includes but is not limited to, scheduling, payroll and employee benefits.
You will also be provided with an Onboarding Guide that will be yours to take with you.
Be prepared to sit all day at a computer!
Items to make sure you have or have applied for prior to starting:
- Radio License
Reminder: Don't forget to complete your baseline Audiometric testing before your start date!
Work Environment
WestJet operates a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, technical operations environment. To run a smooth operation, you must be available to work any hour of the day and any day of the week.
The majority of our maintenance happens at night. Our crews consist of highly skilled AMEs, Avionics Technicians, Structures Technicians, Furnishing Technicians and apprentices.
Our team currently works a 5/5/4 rotation, 11.42 hours a day. This is a unionized work environment represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)."
Calgary Campus/Hangar Video Tour
Whether you will be working or training at the YYC campus or hangar, or working in another hangar, this video will take you through all the key spots and fun facts that will help familiarize you with our campus and set you up for sucess for your next visit or workday. In this video we explore the many unique features of our Fred Ring Building (minutes 0:00-05:45), Russ White Hangar (minutes 05:45-09:07) and Wide Body Hangar (Minutes 09:07-11:32)
Our Fleet
WestJet
- Boeing 737 NG
- Boeing 737 MAX
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Encore
- De Havilland Dash 8-400
Union & Employee Association
Some roles within Technical Operations are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and others are represented by an Employee Association. Please review your offer letter or talk to your leader about which one you are a part of.
Growth & Development
At WestJet we invest in our teams and want to see each and every person reach their full potential. Each WestJetter's career path is unique, and while we cannot guarantee timing or the path you will choose, we encourage development and growth. Your leader will support you on your journey. Here are just some of the career path opportunities you can pursue within Technical Operations:
- ICL (Inspector Crew Lead)
- AML (Aircraft Maintenance Lead)
- Operations Manager
- Maintenance Control
- Quality Assurance
- Technical Representative
- Maintenance Planning
Uniforms
WestJet agrees to reimburse you $250 every 12 months for safety shoes or boots and $125 every 12 months for hats and gloves. Hats, gloves and boots must follow set guidelines.
If you are new to WestJet or transferring from a non-uniformed role, you will receive a full allowance to purchase the mandatory items you need for a complete uniform during your first year. The allowances vary by geographical location and are based on the price and recommended quantities of each piece.
Pieces that are not included in your initial allowance can be purchased by using your annual allowance or a personal credit card.
Annual Allowance
You will receive an additional allowance every on your hire date. Annual allowances vary by geographical location and are based on the price and life cycle of each piece. You are expected to use your allowance to replace pieces as needed to ensure you have a complete and well-maintained uniform. Annual allowances will accumulate if not spent. You cannot exceed your new hire uniform allowance in accumulated dollars.
Compensation
All Technical Operations front line employees are paid through a Step Band process. This means annually, a raise will be applied up to the next step. For example, Step 1 is the starting rate of someone who started on Jan 1st. The following year on Jan 1st, they would move to Step 2 in their band. Please visit the People Portal Salary band for more detailed information once access has been granted to you.
Aircraft Certification Authority Premium
WestJet will pay an ACA premium to eligible WestJetters who are required to hold a WestJet ACA for the role they perform (certified to sign out a specific aircraft). The amount of the premium will increase as the WestJetter’s time with an ACA increases to a maximum of 10 per cent.
| Years since ACA Qualification Date |
Premium Paid as a percentage of pay |
|---|---|
| 0 to 3 | 7% |
| 3 to 6 | 8% |
| 6 to 9 | 9% |
| 9+ years | 10% |
Example: AME obtained ACA 2 years ago and paid a rate of $30/hour, based on the above, AME would be paid ACA premium of $2.10/hour.
Health & Wellbeing
Inkblot
Inkblot is a fantastic tool WestJet has partnered up with in our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), to provide confidential counselling and information to you and your family. You will receive access within your first 30 days of employment.
Vacation
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers start at 2 weeks' vacation prorated with an increase after 3 years. Your Line Maintenance Coordinator will walk you through how to request and submit vacation in your first week in the role.
For more information on Life events, Sick leave, Personal days or statutory holidays, please review the Total Rewards document.
Tech Ops Peer Support
WestJet Tech Ops Peer Support is a confidential program accessible for all employees in Tech Ops.
Tech Ops Peer Support is comprised of trained peer support volunteers from within the Tech Ops team. Our volunteers are trained to assist and refer individuals to resolve personal and/or professional concerns including, but not limited to:
Health and wellness
Marital and family
Financial
Substance abuse and chemical dependency
Mental health and stress
Issues that may affect personal balance or professional standing
Managed and designed by Tech Ops employees, the peer support program provides a real-world appreciation and understanding of the challenges facing Tech Ops on a daily basis.
Peer assistance is an early identification and intervention model for working with individuals who are facing personal/professional challenges.
Audiometric Testing
It is expected that before your first day of employment you will arrange and complete your baseline audiometric testing through Drivers Check.
Certain roles at WestJet and WestJet Encore work in environments where the level of noise WestJetters are exposed to may be damaging to their hearing. We mitigate this exposure through our hearing conservation program. Audiometric or hearing testing is important to the success of a hearing conservation program because it helps determine if occupational hearing loss is being prevented by implementing noise control measures.
Because occupational hearing loss happens gradually over time, individuals often fail to notice changes in their hearing until a significant change occurs. By comparing audiometric tests from past years, early changes can be identified and appropriate protective measures can be implemented to prevent additional damage.