by Dave Weiman
At the “Minnesota Aviation Maintenance Technician Conference” in March in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, many of the exhibitors had “help wanted” signs in their booths, and I regularly speak with aviation business owners who are looking for qualified employees. Shortages of aviation technicians, pilots and other aviation professionals are not five years from now as we often hear…we are facing shortages, now!
Yes, state governments and communities are closing some of our technical colleges and aviation campuses, but there are plenty of programs that still exist that we as pilots can help direct young people to, and not always within our state boundaries. Where there is a will, there is a pathway to a successful career in aviation, providing we are willing to take the time to be a “mentor.”
We are reminded of our responsibility to do this whenever we read about young people who obtain their Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school. Those young people most definitely had a mentor – someone who was encouraging and took the time to take them flying, and introduce them to a flight instructor. Their mentor helped bridge the gap and made them feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
Keep this in mind the next time you see a young person express an interest in aviation, and help show them the way!