Choose Your Own Adventure – Portage La Prairie

July 30, 2024

Did you know that as a KF employee, you have the opportunity to choose your own adventure?

One of the best perks about working at KF is the ability to grow your career at one of our six bases across Canada! There are so many great opportunities to make a lifestyle change or have a fresh start, while still maintaining your benefits and job security at KF. For the next several weeks, we’ll be highlighting what life is like at each of our bases and what positions are currently open to help inspire your career journey! Follow along to find where your next adventure could take you.

This week, we’re looking at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba – home to the CFTS Program at the nearby Southport Aerospace Centre, where KF Aerospace and our partners train Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots and aircrew!
This is an excellent program that provides stable, rewarding aviation opportunities and a wide range of potential career paths, from aircraft mechanics to pilot instructors to business, facilities and support services of all kinds. KF Aerospace offers a competitive salary and benefits, a bonus program that pays twice annually, and best of all, your work is vital to supporting our Canadian Armed Forces.
Check out some pictures of some KF staff in action working with the RCAF below:
If you’re interested in a small-town or rural lifestyle, Portage might be a great fit for you.

Here are some of the best things about life in Portage:

  • Long-term career stability: KF Aerospace and CAE’s joint venture SkyAlyne was recently selected by the Government of Canada to be the provider of RCAF Future Aircrew Training. This is a 25 year contract, offering incredible career stability and the opportunity to support our military and work closely with the RCAF!
  • Low housing prices and cost of living: One of the best parts about life in Portage might be the affordable real estate and rental market! You could potentially buy acres of land and a large house for a fraction of the price it would be elsewhere in Canada. Even owning your own farm could be within your grasp! Check out some recent examples in the gallery below.
  • Plenty of perks: There are so many things that add up to make life in Portage great – the Southport Aerospace Centre offers two on-site gyms, a golf course, and even a bowling alley! With no graveyard shifts guaranteed, you’ll have a great work-life balance. Plus, Lake Manitoba and Winnipeg just a drive away!
  • Supportive community: That prairie hospitality isn’t just a myth! Not only is the Southport Aerospace Centre an excellent working environment, but Portage is known for having a strong sense of community and being a place where you can make friends and get to know your neighbours. It’s a great place for families!

Don’t just take our word for it – here are some testimonials from KF employees currently living and working in Portage, and loving it.

Jyothi Bachwala, KF Grob Flight Instructor:

“Portage la Prairie is an ideal place for individuals and families alike, offering affordable housing, a lower cost of living, and a variety of recreational and educational facilities. The supportive community, along with extracurricular activities for children and beautiful outdoor spaces, enhanced the quality of life for myself and my family when we moved out here. I feel very fortunate to live in this community and to raise my kids here in a stable environment. This really is the best balance of smaller city living with great outdoor recreation and Winnipeg close enough that we can go anytime we want the features of the big city.”

Carlos Silva, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME):

” The local area is great, there are a lot of advantages to living here. Southport is a residential area, so it’s very safe and has a wonderful tight-knit community. There are a lot of outdoor spaces, and housing is much more affordable than other parts of Canada. I’ve found that entertainment activities are quite cheap as well, and there’s a surprising amount of activities and facilities both at the Southport Aerospace Centre and in Portage. Living here has been great — I love getting to know my neighbours, avoiding the stress of traffic and pollution, and enjoying the peace and quiet.”

So what are you waiting for?

Check some more pictures of Portage la Prairie below and learn more about the exciting career opportunities at KF Aerospace on our website!

If you have any questions or just want to chat, reach out to use at careers@kfaero.ca.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the rest of this series!