What's Happening?
Duncan Aviation, a business jet maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider based in Lincoln, Nebraska, is actively addressing the aviation industry's talent gap by engaging with local high schools.
The company has partnered with Lincoln North Star High School to create an Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program. This initiative includes a work-study program where students can gain hands-on experience at Duncan Aviation's facilities. The company has also supported the school's hangar expansion and provided a Honeywell TFE731 engine for student training. This approach aims to expose students to aviation careers early, helping to build a sustainable workforce pipeline.
Why It's Important?
The aviation industry is facing a significant workforce shortage, particularly in skilled trades like aviation maintenance. With a large portion of the current workforce nearing retirement and demand for business aviation services increasing, companies like Duncan Aviation are struggling to find qualified technicians. By partnering with educational institutions, Duncan Aviation is not only addressing its immediate staffing needs but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry. This initiative could serve as a model for other companies facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of early career exposure and hands-on training in technical fields.
What's Next?
Duncan Aviation plans to continue its outreach efforts by offering internships and on-site tours at its main MRO facilities in Lincoln, Provo, and Battle Creek, Michigan. The company is also engaging with K-12 students through career fairs and STEM events to further encourage interest in aviation careers. As the demand for aviation services grows, Duncan Aviation anticipates ongoing hiring needs, particularly for airframe and powerplant certified technicians. The success of these programs could influence other companies to adopt similar strategies to address workforce shortages in technical industries.
