How to Attract Millennials to Work in Aviation

Are you interested in how to attract millennials to work in aviation? With an increase in air travel, the addition of budget airlines to the aviation industry, expanded routes and the commission of new and more advanced aircraft, the demand for highly trained aviation mechanics will continue to grow. The millennial generation is the next in line to become aviation mechanics, but they have a specific set of requirements as they pick their career. First, we will review what a millennial is. Then, we will talk about what the millennials are looking for in a career. Finally, we will take a look at some of the ways with which the aviation industry can attract millennials, as well as how to retain current employees.

What is a Millennial?

Millennials were born between 1982 and 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Millennials were preceded by Generation X and followed by Generation Z. As companies compete for talent, they will need to consider the characteristics and traits of the millennial generation.

This generation was impacted by economic recession and the reaction to the 80s credit card bubble. As they grew older, millennials saw unemployment at all-time highs and lived through a period of economic instability. The slow start for millennials, in the job market, will be an influencing factor in society for decades to come. As a result, many are driven individuals with a desire to work among their friends and help their communities.

Millennials grew up with technology and rely on it to perform better at their jobs. They also grew up with social media, constant connectivity and an on-demand world. This has shaped the way they work, communicate and connect. Making it easier for them to build communities and start careers around friends. They like to communicate with email, text messages and social media platforms to stay engaged with friends and family.

What are Millennials Looking for in a Career?

Millennials are accustomed to working in teams and prefer to work with their friends. They generally want to work in diverse environments, enjoy handling a variety of tasks, expect frequent job feedback, and place a high value on work/life balance. It is characteristic of millennials to want to help the world and thus they favor careers at companies that give back to their communities.

Many millennials are climbing the corporate ladder differently than their parents. While the previous generation was more organization-loyal—staying with a job much longer and accepting the promotions they were rewarded—millennials looking to get ahead do not wait for career advancement and are often willing to job hop to advance.

How to Attract Millennials to Work in Aviation

The aviation industry has to spread awareness about aviation mechanic jobs and consider new incentives to both attract fresh talent and retain existing employees. The industry needs to focus on teamwork, training, scholarships, upgradation, recruitment, perception and awareness programs. Millennials are also looking for more than a job. They are looking for a career working with friends and the ability to give back to the community. An employer that can meet these expectations can entice millennials to work in the aviation industry.

Teamwork: Aviation organizations must create a friendly atmosphere for millennials, allowing them to become friends with their co-workers so that they can work to a common goal.

Training: The aviation industry should train mechanics to use new gadgets and technologies. This will attract the youth as well as increase employee retention.

Scholarships: Although the number of MRO scholarships has increased, there is room to develop more partnerships with the education industry and additional financing avenues for job training should be explored.

Upgradation: The aviation industry will have to upgrade its maintenance and IT systems to collect and analyze the data generated from newer planes. This data could make aviation mechanics\’ work much easier. The advancement of technology may interest millennials that grew up with computers and took to the Internet quickly in the new millennium.

Recruitment: Aircraft maintenance is performed almost entirely by males. According to the Aviation Technician Education Council, females make up only 2.3 percent of the certified mechanic workforce. The aviation maintenance industry should ensure workforce diversity, thereby broadening its skill base. Experts also suggest accommodating military veterans and other displaced workers in the labor force.

Perception: Aviation mechanics have been traditionally seen as \’blue collar\’ workers. Today\’s aircraft, however, have some of the most sophisticated technologies. Millennials would be interested to know that aviation technicians are trained in mathematics, physics, electrical systems and computers; have excellent problem-solving capabilities; and play a significant role in preventing aircraft accidents or incidents. The industry should therefore work towards a change in perception to attract millennials start a career as an aviation mechanic.

Awareness programs: The Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) is conducted to recognize and celebrate aviation maintenance technicians and raise awareness of the training and skills needed to provide safe and airworthy aircraft worldwide. The aviation maintenance industry should conceptualize more programs like AMC.

Final Thoughts

The current imbalance in the demand and supply of aviation mechanics can and will be remedied eventually by a combination of such measures. The relevant question is how fast this can be done so as not to jeopardize the industry or inconvenience the passengers.

Ready to learn more about a career as an aviation mechanic? The Aviation Maintenance programs from MIAT College of Technology provide the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career.

To learn more about the Aviation Maintenance programs and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in a career as an aviation maintenance technician today.

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