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Aerospace industry faces hiring surge amid skill gaps

Aerospace industry faces hiring surge amid skill gaps
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Prompted by record backlogs in the commercial sector and growing national defense spending, the aerospace and defense industry is experiencing a surge in hiring. Companies are addressing skills shortages and competing for talent with other industries.

France and Germany have seen rapid growth due to their highly-developed aerospace sectors. Major airframers like Airbus, Dassault Aviation, ATR, and equipment manufacturers such as Thales, Safran, MTU Aero Engines, and Diehl Aerospace are leading this trend. In 2023, Airbus expanded its workforce by nearly 14,000 employees; Safran recruited over 18,000; and Thales Group added 10,900 new hires. Women made up about 30 percent of these new hires.

According to Gifas, the trade association for France’s aeronautics and space industry, its members expanded their workforce last year by 7 percent to a record 210,000 people. This year they expect to hire between 25,000 and 30,000 new employees in France.

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Germany's aerospace sector also performed well in 2023. It employed 115,000 people last year—up 10 percent from 2022—and saw an increase of €46 billion in total sales. Michael Schoellhorn of the German Aerospace Industries Association noted that "the German aerospace industry has returned to growth after the Covid years."

Brazil-based Embraer aims to hire an additional 900 employees this year after adding 1,500 employees in 2023.

New research from McKinsey & Company highlights ongoing challenges with a significant skills gap affecting the industry's ability to meet demand. The U.S. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) acknowledged these challenges: “Across the aerospace and defense sector recruitment and retention continue to be a challenge,” said Alison Lynn from AIA.

In Europe, companies like Thales are working towards becoming "learning organizations" with strategies focused on talent management to stay competitive. Meanwhile ATR emphasizes sustainability as a key draw for younger generations seeking meaningful careers.

Organizations Included in this History
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