Technician Shortage a Key Issue for Aviation Industry
The economy is getting better, which means some things may be getting worse. That’s how it appears as the business aviation industry slowly and haltingly starts to emerge from a long and deep recession and a search begins for skilled labor to fill the growing number of openings.
As Yogi Berra famously said, “This is like déjà vu all over again.” And so it is, though not as dramatic. Following the recession that began in 2001, thousands of skilled workers hired during the boom time of the late 1990s through early 2001 were laid off and furloughed as struggling companies “right-sized” to meet the drop in demand. In mid-2006, the economy was righting itself and business aviation followed suit, and many of those skilled workers let go during tough times didn’t come back when things got better. Some had found other work in areas where the same skills were in demand, others retrained for new careers in different fields, and still others left for more stable, if not greener, pastures.
And so the competition for skilled labor became intense, with one company going so far as to paper the automobiles in a competitor’s employee parking lot with help-wanted flyers.
Now, on the heels of this most recent recession, assuming a recovery is indeed under way, the business aviation industry is already starting to see a new shortage of skilled workers.
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Email this pageI read these articles with interest also. The impression I get is that all the short falls and the projected short falls are primarily in the Asian markets at the MRO's conducting work on airline equipment. Here on the West Coast, I just don't see the shortage right now, but I do admit, if suddenly, aircraft started moving into the area, I don't know of personnel to cover them. (But then again, aircraft aren't moving into the area).
When I went to A&P school so long ago, we were all told there was a big shortage looming on the horizon, but like you said, I never saw it materialize. I believe it is happening now. And because of this, I am confused each time I hear someone make the comment that an out of work A&P should be willing to accept a lower pay rate to get a job. My business classes always taught that a commodity in short supply drives the price up. So what's happening here? Once again I feel the technician is being told to regard himself as "lower down the food chain", which is wrong.
C'mon men! You two sound like you've been around the flag pole a time or two! Why are you doubting yourselves? Forget the commercials and go with your gut. Regardless of the economy, we still need to promote aviation at all levels. We still need to develope proteges [John] and we still need to promote ourselves as professionals [Ed]. Nothing has really changed, life goes on yeah singing oh blah dee blah da...
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I work as a field mechanic in the EMS world, and there seems to be a shortage of skilled mechanics. Keyword there being skilled. There are plenty of A&Ps around however this job is a little more demanding than most. I do not have a boss looking over my back to make sure I do not screw up some how. It can be a lot of responsibility for new mechanics, and that is one of the reason that most companies look for experience.
It will always be hard to find skilled mechanics that can troubleshoot, think on their feet, be professional, confident yet not cocky and dangerous.
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I have noticed an increase in articles on the Technician shortage again, now that our business and general aviation economy seems to be beginning to show a slight improvement.
I have read articles on projected shortfalls starting immediately, and in just a few short years. However I know of a large number of well experienced and qualified Techs that can't seem to find a job, even though they are willing to take less than expected in salaries.
According to the last magazine article I read, we are in serious trouble right now, as far as projected folks coming into our industry versus projected needs.
I'm trying to get a sense of what you all feel, and what you see as far as available jobs, our industry needs, and any other comments you might have. This subject is near and dear to my heart, and I believe that the rewards gained from being a competent and successful aircraft maintenance technician are huge, as well as the job paying pretty well in most cases.
I have promoted our industry to quite a few folks over the years, and had the privilege of seeing my protégés become very successful. I mean to continue doing this, but I need to try to gauge for myself, how much need there is, and will be for techs. The training process is expensive and time consuming, and in my opinion and experience, incredibly rewarding. However I don't want to encourage or promote folks to join unless there is a reasonable chance they will find jobs.
The last projected serious tech shortfall never materialised. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions.
I would like to expand these thoughts to the future needs for pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation administration positions. I have never in my life seen so many ads, emails, and posts for folks looking for contract or permanent pilot and flight attendant jobs. To this end, I have been looking to assist many friends and acquaintances, and friends of friends find jobs. All these efforts have been "pro bono" as Dennis would say, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the successes we have had. I deal with folks that have a passion for aviation. Those who have demonstrated to me their commitment and love for our business.
I have quite a list of excellent folks looking for jobs, so if anyone needs a competent tech, pilot, flight attendant, or dispatcher/flight coordinator, let me know. I need your thoughts and opinions folks.
Cheers
John.
John W. Gibson
Latitude 45 Aviation Consulting Services