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Aviation’s Latest Labor Shortage

Aviation Technician Education Council projects a 20 percent shortfall in maintenance techs by 2028—in part caused by an aging workforce nearing retirement.

United maintenance staff [Credit: United Airlines]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The aviation industry faces a significant and accelerating shortage of maintenance technicians, projected to reach a 20 percent shortfall by 2028 due to an aging workforce.
  • Organizations like the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) are crucial in addressing this gap by recruiting, training, and placing a large number of new mechanics through partnerships with airlines.
  • AIM, the largest institution for aircraft mechanics in the U.S., focuses on providing comprehensive training and connecting graduates with employment opportunities, understanding that students often seek a job as much as an education.
  • New technicians are often drawn to the career by familial connections, a preference for trade-oriented "tool belt generation" careers, or a desire for better long-term opportunities.
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The aviation industry is working to address a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians.

2024 Pipeline Report by the Aviation Technician Education Council projects a 20 percent shortfall in maintenance techs by 2028—in part caused by an aging workforce nearing retirement.

Caleb Revill

Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.

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