Air Canada has been named for the third consecutive year, one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People 2026 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. The award affirms the Air Canada’s strong commitment to fostering meaningful opportunities that help the next generation thrive and build their future leadership potential.
Canada’s favourite airline takes the top spot
For a third year in a row, Air Canada has won Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, as announced by Mediacorp Canada In., organisers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition.
In its 24th year, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People is a competition that recognises employers offering exceptional workplaces and development programs for people at the start of their careers.
Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada said about the award:
“We are very proud of our progressive HR programs, which again have earned Air Canada recognition as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People. We’re encouraged to see so many young people choosing careers in the aviation industry! There has never been a more exciting time to build a future in this field, especially as Air Canada embarks on our New Frontiers growth phase. To support delivering our strategic plans, Air Canada has invested in continually evolving programs to develop and support the cross-functional skills required for the next generation to lead in the future.”
Why did Air Canada win the award?
One of the reasons Air Canada was named ‘Top Employer’ is because the company offers paid internship programs in a variety of disciplines with numerous professional development opportunities. The airline also maintains the ‘Work Integrated Learning Program’, which aims to expand the Air Canada’s talent pool by offering work experience opportunities to post-secondary students from universities across Canada.
The airline welcomed over 100 interns across various branches during the past year, providing students with practical skills and work experience.
A unique benefit available for students is access to online training options including opportunities to strengthen second language skills and learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as workshops held with the talent team, covering topics such as optimising CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews.
Air Canada also offers a buddy system to help young professionals joining the airline integrate into the company. The airline promotes ongoing engagement through various events throughout the year, including in-person networking opportunities at the organisation’s training centre, museum and hangar, as well as a careers event that provides an overview of available career paths and professional development opportunities.
What do you think about Air Canada wining the award for Top Employers for Young People 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
