Developing an Aviation Technical Workforce

ARSA Position

Along with other job sectors, the maintenance industry faces a shortage of qualified, trained technical workers. Congress must devote resources to training and hiring a new generation of workers in order to maintain the high quality of the U.S. aviation industry. Congress needs to take action to prevent an industry-wide shortage.

Discussion

Industries across the nation are facing a shortage of skilled technical workers, but ARSA’s members have been especially hard: Close to 80 percent of the respondents to ARSA’s 2007 member survey reported having trouble finding skilled technical workers. And survey respondents ranked the technical worker shortage as the single greatest threat facing the maintenance industry.

In December 2006, President Bush signed legislation which established an 11-member panel directed to develop a comprehensive strategy to increase the number of students and workers who choose science, engineering and other aerospace-related careers. Led by the Department of Labor, the task force will also establish partnerships with industry, organized labor, academia, and state governments to coordinate aerospace career education and training programs. The bill also required annual reports be submitted to Congress on its workforce recommendations and initiatives.

According to facts cited within the legislation, in 2004 total employment in the aerospace industry fell to its lowest point in 50 years. Additionally, 27 percent of the aerospace manufacturing workforce will become eligible for retirement by 2008. This covers not just civil, but military aerospace workers as well.

The newly-created panel is a good starting point; but more must be done to address the skilled-worker shortage. ARSA is doing its part by reaching out to employers to provide advertising on our Web site, offering a way for employers and workers to connect. As Congress investigates aviation safety and maintenance, now is the time to remind them that resources are needed to recruit and maintain skilled workers to keep our industry functioning.