The aviation mechanic shortage is a growing concern for the aerospace industry, but what is causing it? A few main factors heavily influence this dearth of workers and may worsen it if not resolved. Here are the five biggest ones and what leaders must do to fix them.
1. Ageing Mechanic Workforce
The mechanic workforce is facing an issue that is emerging in many technical fields: an ageing workforce. Many baby boomer aviation mechanics are nearing retirement or are already retired. There aren’t enough young people entering the occupation to make up for this loss.
The aviation mechanic shortage will only grow in the coming years as more mechanics enter retirement. An estimated 49% of aircraft mechanics are over 40 years old today and only 27% are under 30. This indicates a growing lack of recruiting in the industry for young people.
Several factors contribute to the shortage of young people in mechanic roles. The trend itself is a major reason for the ongoing aviation mechanic shortage. If industry leaders cannot find a way to attract more young people to the field, the problem will only get worse.
2. Lack of Interest in Technical Careers
One specific factor influencing the shortage of young people in the aviation industry is a declining interest in technical careers among Generation Z. Young people are being increasingly encouraged to pursue four-year degrees, often with little consideration of the high-paying jobs available in technical fields.
Research shows that application rates dropped 49% from 2020 to 2022 for young people in technical roles. This is due to a lack of skills and interest. However, that could change.
More young people are reconsidering the value of a college degree today amid skyrocketing student loan costs and an unpredictable job market. Surveys show that over 50% of Gen-Z students are open to alternative post-high school paths besides college. Affordability and a quick transition to a career are among the most popular priorities for today’s teenagers.
Additionally, young people have a strong aptitude for and interest in technical skills. They’re digital natives and quick learners, having grown up with the internet. Many young people are interested in working with technology for a living. The aviation industry offers more opportunities to do this than teens might realize. For example, aircraft mechanics use cutting-edge equipment like advanced X-ray film to test complex components.
This is an excellent opportunity for the technical trades, but only if industry leaders act on it. Young people are becoming more interested in low-cost, high-ROI education opportunities, particularly those emphasizing technology.
Trade schools and apprenticeship programs could be a great way to meet this demand and help resolve the aviation mechanic shortage. Industry leaders who engage with young people and build a welcoming workplace culture could attract thousands of new hires.
3. Poor Employee Experience
One of the main takeaways from the “great resignation” in 2021 and 2022 is the importance of the employee experience. The transportation sector was among the top five industries impacted by the great resignation. People who quit their jobs during this period often cited low pay, lack of advancement, zero flexibility and poor work environments.
Unfortunately, a poor employee experience is contributing to the aviation mechanic shortage. The work environment for mechanics is often messy, physically taxing and requires working in adverse weather conditions. This is unappealing when people can work remotely from home in less demanding jobs.
This is particularly true for women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. Over 90% of aviation mechanics are men and over half are white. Additionally, white mechanics and male mechanics statistically earn more money than their female, Black, Asian, Hispanic or Latino co-workers. To people who are part of these minority groups, the aviation mechanic field can seem unwelcoming or more likely to offer poor compensation.
Offering a more flexible work schedule and ensuring fair compensation regardless of gender, race or ethnicity may reduce the aviation mechanic shortage. The industry is currently missing out on many talented individuals from underrepresented groups. Creating a more supportive culture and employee experience could attract those people to the industry. Plus, everyone benefits from better pay and flexible working hours.
4. Competition With Other Industries
Even if industry leaders do take steps to attract more new hires, the aviation mechanic shortage will likely continue due to demand for mechanics in general. Aviation is just one of many niches that need more mechanics, creating competition between industries for the same small talent pool.
For example, by 2024, there could be a shortage of 642,000 automotive technicians in the United States. Careers like this require very similar skills to those needed by aircraft mechanics. People with these skills or with an aptitude for them have many options for potential job opportunities. The aviation industry must offer better pay, benefits, flexibility and workplace culture to stay competitive.
5. High Experience Requirements
The aviation mechanic shortage may worsen due to excessive requirements for mechanic roles in the industry. Employers need people to fill these jobs but limit their choices by creating too many barriers for potential applicants. High skill or experience requirements make it difficult for those new to the industry or changing careers to get started.
Of course, some skills and knowledge are necessary to safely perform aircraft maintenance. However, aviation employers may need to consider ramping up training programs instead of requiring all that experience upfront.
Training and upskilling aren’t just important for new hires, either. Strong on-the-job training programs are a core part of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, which involves the widespread use of new technologies. These technologies are coming to the aviation industry, too. New and veteran aircraft mechanics need support to learn new skills in the workplace. Offering ongoing education for mechanics of all skill levels can help address the current shortage and prevent future ones.
Understanding the Aviation Mechanic Shortage
The aviation mechanic shortage is a serious issue for the industry, and it could worsen if the root causes are not addressed. Luckily, industry leaders can implement actionable solutions to attract new talent to the field. Engaging with young people and underrepresented groups can bring in many new hires. A shift in workplace culture, greater flexibility, job training and improved compensation will go a long way toward attracting and retaining new aviation mechanics.
Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized Magazine, an online publication that explores innovations in science and technology.
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