SASKATCHEWAN’S
TOP EMPLOYERS 2015
SPONSOR CONTENT
“I
Aviation company uplifted by great staff
enjoy working here because there is always change and no two days are the same — I feel as though I learn something new every day.” The message is exceptional, especially since the one speaking has been an employee with the same company — West Wind Aviation — for an astounding 30 years. It’s this dedication to service and supportive environment that has garnered West Wind Aviation the accolade of being one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for a second year in a row. Established in 1983 as a corporate air charter service, West Wind Aviation now operates a fleet of 28 aircraft and employs close to 300 employees. Its accumulated expertise includes air charter, corporate aircraft management, maintenance, avionics, world-class aerocentre facilities in Regina and Saskatoon, ground services, fuelling, and scheduled flights with its ExpressAir and Pronto Airways divisions. Even after three decades of service, West Wind is committed to providing exceptional service to its customers. Proud to be a carrier of choice, they are governed by safety in all aspects. Overall, this has helped bring the company to its position of being a leading employer in the province. While its corporate promise — We take care. For you. — is geared to its customers, West Wind also takes the message to heart when it comes to its employees. “We foster a friendly work environment
West Wind Aviation
West Wind’s staff, from ground services and maintenance to the flight crew, are invested in providing exceptional service to customers.
and a corporate culture that promotes hard work and dedication,” says Sadie Dewald, human resources supervisor. Striving to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the advancement of our employees careers, the company has implemented a variety of employee-centred initiatives including training, internal advancement within the organization and education subsidies. The company also promotes from within on new positions posted internally and commits to looking at existing employees before going externally. “On a yearly basis, our management team sits with their employees to go through
their performance on the job and helps to create a plan for their future growth within the organization,” adds Dewald. This includes a pilot mentorship program wherein aspiring pilots have the opportunity to learn more about the aircraft through ride-alongs, aircraft simulator time, mentorship from senior pilots in the organization, sitting in on ground school and much more. “This keeps our employees engaged and prepares them for a future career in the industry,” says Dewald. Several times a year, West Wind Aviation also hosts lunch and learn seminars, open to any of its employees to attend.
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 32 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 297 LOCATIONS: Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, La Ronge, Stony Rapids, Wollaston, Fond du Lac, Buffalo Narrows. HEAD OFFICE: Saskatoon HIRING INCENTIVES: Share purchase plan, referral bonuses, contributions to a matching RRSP plan, profit-sharing and parental leave top-ups, comprehensive benefits package. APPLICATION PROCESS: Individuals can apply online at westwindaviation.ca “This provides an opportunity to learn about interesting topics within the workplace ... it keeps our employee base engaged and up-to-date on arising topics of interest within the workplace,” says Dewald. Staff also have the opportunity to purchase shares within the organization on an annual basis, allowing them to become owners in the organization. Presently, employees own 20 per cent of the organization. All of which, says Dewald, is how West Wind Aviation manages its continued growth and success and secures the future for all who play a part in the company’s story.
This story was produced by Postmedia’s advertising department on behalf of West Wind Aviation for commercial purposes. Postmedia’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content.
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