Through all my MRO industry workforce coverage over the years, I have heard plenty of perspectives on how employers need to remove barriers to entry and publicize the various career paths and advancement opportunities young people can access if they pursue aviation.
While most companies are amping up recruiting efforts and revamping training programs to meet labor demand, Boeing predicts the industry will still need more than 700,000 new technicians over the next decade—and it is an increasingly competitive market. As demographics and workplace expectations change, companies will likely need to work even harder to prove to younger generations that the MRO career path is worth pursuing.
Ahead of Aviation Maintenance Technician Day on May 24, Aviation Week Network spoke with three unique individuals who demonstrate some of the interesting paths an aviation maintenance technician (AMT) can take in the industry.
- Antonique Greenslade just graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as only the third woman from the Bahamas to receive an FAA airframe and powerplant certification. As she embarks on the start of her AMT career, she shared perspectives on the challenges international students and women face while pursuing aviation industry opportunities. Read Antonique's story
- Kenny Parker spent 30 years working on aircraft engines for the U.S. Navy before shifting his career to the commercial sector at Hawaiian Airlines, where he now trains the airline’s tech ops staff. He shared insights on what it was like making the jump from the hangar to the classroom and the importance of mentorship in developing young MRO talent. Read Kenny's story
- Phil Bathurst started his MRO career doing avionics work on Cessna 150s before eventually working his way up to senior leadership roles at MROs, OEMs and aftermarket software companies. Now at the helm of passenger-to-freighter conversion startup Aspire MRO, he shared insights about the keys to career success and how senior leadership should rethink company culture to drive better recruitment and retention. Read Phil's story
We hope these stories serve as inspiration to people who might be considering aviation careers and as food for thought to companies that are struggling to hire enough qualified talent.
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