New report on the future European aerospace workforce

A recent article by Cathy Buyck in Aviation International News highlighted the intense competition for talent in the aerospace and defence industries, driven by record orders in the commercial aviation sector and increasing national defence spending. Companies are striving to fill substantial skills gaps while competing with other industries for top talent.

Hiring surge in Europe

European aerospace companies have seen substantial workforce expansions recently. In 2023, Airbus grew its global workforce by nearly 14,000; Safran added over 18,000 employees; and Thales recruited 10,900 new hires, with women making up 30% of this intake. France's aeronautics trade association, GIFAS, reported a 7% workforce increase among its 470 members, totalling 210,000 people. This year, the French aerospace industry is expected to hire an additional 25,000 to 30,000 employees.

Germany’s aerospace sector also experienced robust growth in 2023, employing 115,000 people, a 10% increase from 2022. Michael Schoellhorn, president of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), highlighted this recovery, saying, “The German aerospace industry has returned to growth after the Covid years and is employing more people than ever before.”

Skills gap challenges

The article notes that despite the hiring boom, a significant skills gap persists. McKinsey & Company’s recent research is quoted, warning that the aerospace and defence sectors face substantial challenges in matching talent supply with demand. McKinsey & Company found that a median aerospace and defence company could capture an opportunity worth about $330 million by effectively recruiting the right staff.

Industry efforts to close skills gap

Companies are implementing various strategies to address these challenges. The article highlights how Thales, for example, is actively working towards being a "learning organisation" with a focus on talent management, passing on skills to younger employees, and ensuring ongoing professional development.

ASD is quoted in the article: “Our industrial ecosystem is a high- and new-tech sector of strategic importance, but it is not always perceived as such. This perception, combined with the highly competitive environment, makes the attraction and the retainment of key digital profiles even more challenging.”

Sustainability and aerospace careers

The article notes that the industry's commitment to sustainability is increasingly a significant draw for new talent, describing the example of ATR, a manufacturer of turboprop aircraft, which has been attracting employees with its green credentials.

As the aerospace and defence industry navigates a landscape of rapid growth and technological innovation, addressing the skills gap and attracting top talent remains critical. By focusing on sustainability, professional development, and innovative recruitment strategies, companies aim to secure the workforce needed to drive future success.