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“Dad was an influencing factor,” says Austin Cantor, an Electronics Technologist in his hometown of London. “He would tell us of all these opportunities at ‘NAV’. His opinion carries a lot of weight. Shortly after he joined, I thought this is also what I want to do.”

Once signed up, it is not surprising the brothers gravitated toward electronics and attended  Conestoga College’s Electronics Engineering Technologist program. While at college, Austin was given an early introduction to NAV CANADA as a summer student. It was a unique learning experience. One he says sealed the deal. “I worked on many different projects. It was an experience that stuck with me.” Today Austin maintains equipment essential to the smooth operation of London International Airport, Canada’s 11th busiest as measured by aircraft take-offs. It is a job with variety that involves everything from installing and maintaining some of the most sophisticated technologies in the air navigation sector to repairing essential legacy equipment that keeps the air navigation system functioning. “Our scope of work is also increasing as new technology becomes integrated into the work environment,” Austin adds.

So, how would the brothers pitch NAV CANADA to a student interested in aviation or working in the tech sector, but not yet settled on their career path? “I would absolutely recommend it,” says Austin. “It’s an interesting job. The workplace culture is very good, you are always learning, and you’ll never be bored.” Owen agrees. “It’s a job that takes care of you and has great options for someone looking to get into aviation.” He also points to unique cross-country opportunities an organization like NAV CANADA provides. “You can go to places that most people would never get to. Resolute Bay for example. No one else really gets to go that far north for work. This is my golden job out of college. I can go anywhere I’m needed.” Austin does recommend that students reach out to people at NAV CANADA and ask them what they should focus on specifically in their studies. “It’s a big company and interesting to learn about,” he adds. Fortunately, aviation is a sector where there is no shortage of employees willing to sharing experiences with a fresh generation of recruits.

Both brothers agree there are benefits to working in the family business. Especially when it comes to having somebody to talk to about work who knows that business. Either as a sounding board to ease pressure or someone to share a particular triumph with. “For sure,” says Owen. “After a hard day it’s good to talk to somebody who gets it because they’ve already been in those situations.” Including working through the acronyms. “There are acronyms on acronyms,” he jokes.

Shop talk is certain to dominate table conversation when the family does get together. At least for a while. “It’s always nice to talk about what is going on,” Austin says. “Eventually we get to the point where my wife or our mom will say that’s enough. But there is a lot of stuff to talk about, including plans for the future.”

Kevin Cantor recently transferred from the Toronto Area Control Centre to the NAV CANADA Maintenance Centre in London, where he will continue to do the job he still loves. (“He always gives 110 per cent,” Austin says.) Austin and Owen, both under 30, are looking forward to a long and bright future with NAV CANADA. “Whether I’m in the lab or out in the field solving problems with the equipment or doing preventative maintenance, I truly enjoy all aspects of this job,” Owen says. “It’s an important job,” Austin reflects. “Knowing that I’m part of a team that helps to make air travel safe. That is keeping people safe. That makes it easy to have pride in what we do.”