The engineering crisis

These are great careers with good salaries on offer, particularly in avionics and yet the average age of the current group is heading into the high 50s. This is clearly unsustainable and must be addressed.

Rather than everyone complaining, including this writer, it is likely that we need to take a fresh approach.

Firstly, how do we market aviation engineering to our youth? While there are some excellent examples such as Aviation Australia’s efforts in QLD, there is still some way to go. Do we need a national centre of excellence such as the Maritime College in Tasmania or a few such centres in order to reduce travel and personal dislocation? With a federal election looming there has never been a better time to discuss such ideas.

While it is unlikely private industry could alone sustain these centres, a private/state/federal partnership may have a real chance. If the concept was marketed in a clever way that spoke to the younger generation engineering could make a comeback. For example, the latest Australian Defence Force adverts seem to have real appeal and we can learn much from the strategy behind them.

If it wasn’t for skilled migration through 457 visas, many in the industry suspect that engineering would have gone beyond crisis. These motivated people, hungry for success and a new life, are filling the gaps admirably but it is only part of the solution.

The issues above are even more marked in regional Australia with some notable exceptions such as Rex in Wagga Wagga and the RFDS across its dispersed operations. In the stand alone workshops, many engineer-owned businesses have been in operation for thirty to forty years. It is not uncommon to see other engineers coming out of semi-retirement for a few days to help their old bosses or friends out. This is admirable, in fact vital, but not the structural reform and encouragement that aviation engineering needs. By the same token the vast depth of knowledge and experience within the profession must be harnessed to inspire and teach the next generation.

“If it wasn’t for skilled migration, many in the industry suspect engineering would have gone beyond crisis.”

The challenge is now, not in a few years. Maybe it is up to all of us in the industry to take every opportunity to introduce a young person to an engineer, show them a workshop and watch an engine or an airframe being maintained. Yes, the paperwork part of the job is a pain but that is part of being a professional and aviation’s deep safety culture.

It may also be up to all of us who have benefited from this industry to raise the engineering challenges with every federal, state and local politician who will listen. These people are in our service and legislation with sound policy attached is their duty. Politicians are not mind-readers and the industry, particularly the engineering arm, must explain its needs at every opportunity.

Aviation and aerospace are still fascinating industries, international in their scope and with some of the best minds within their ranks.

hether that message is being promulgated well is problematic however the current results are indisputable. Technically-minded young people are not taking up the engineering professions in sufficient numbers to meet industry’s immediate needs.

Industry contraction due to skilled labour shortages should never be an option so let’s continue to discuss the best solutions and roll up our sleeves.