Sector need powers recruitment pitch

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This article was published 13/02/2024 (812 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Scanning a landscape marked by persistent labour shortages, Manitoba’s aviation sector is preparing for takeoff at its annual jobs fair.

Creating highly skilled professionals does not happen overnight, noted Raquel Lincoln, executive director of the Manitoba Aviation Council. However, even a spark of interest ignited during an event like the Winnipeg-centred career fair can contribute to the solution.

“Our aviation industry in Manitoba is integral to the operations that we do here,” Lincoln said. “We have a lot to offer.”

The Manitoba Aviation Council has scheduled its jobs fair for Feb. 26 at the Holiday Inn Express. It comes amid a week of conference events (Feb. 24-29) the non-profit is hosting to promote the industry.

On Monday, Lincoln said she has surveyed employers who will man the booths at the upcoming career expo. They are short both pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers — a problem heightened by fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority president expects crew shortages, among other issues, to prevent airliners from expanding in 2024.

It could be a “consolidation year,” Nick Hays told the Free Press last week.

A lack of skilled professionals preceded the pandemic; it was an issue when the Manitoba Aviation Council began its annual jobs fair in 2019, Lincoln said.

Several reasons contribute to the ongoing shortage, she added.

Among them, the cost of flight training has increased. Flight programs such as the one offered by Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ont., are subsidized.

Manitoba has no such subsidy, Lincoln said.

Meanwhile, sector workers are increasingly aging out and the pandemic sped up the number of retirements, she noted.

Lincoln said she also surveyed former Manitoba Air Cadets on whether they’d pursued an aviation career after participating in the military youth program. The vast majority said no, she said — they didn’t know where to continue training.

More than 50 booths will line the Holiday Inn during the career fair. Employers are seeking entry-level and skilled staff; post-secondaries will provide information on industry-specific schooling.

Nearby, the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport faces a range of staff shortages, from its restaurant employees to maintenance specialists.

“There is still a need for workers across the entire aviation industry,” said Michel Rosset, WAA communications manager.

Shortages became evident in 2022, when travel rebounded as pandemic health restrictions were lifted. The WAA hosted its first jobs fair at that time, showcasing aviation and hospitality businesses.

The WAA doesn’t have plans to host the event this year, Rosset said, adding the entity consults with partners on their needs.

Rosset called the Manitoba Aviation Council’s jobs fair a “great thing.”

“Any time we can showcase the various roles that people can play in the sector… is an amazing idea,” he said.

New to the event this year, the Manitoba Aviation Council is bringing in two flight simulators and hosting a “best pilot” challenge. (Flight simulators draw crowds, Lincoln said.)

Speakers at the council’s annual conference Feb. 27-28 will discuss some of the industry’s most pressing issues, including shifting to more environmentally friendly practices and further improving safety.

The council, through its business partners, will give away $30,000 in scholarships at a banquet, Lincoln said.

Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor will proclaim Feb. 24 to March 2 as “Manitoba Aviation Week… to recognize the importance of the aviation sector for Manitoba’s economy,” the NDP MLA said in a written statement.

Among the events, the Manitoba Aviation Council will host a commercial pilot exam preparation workshop Feb. 24-25 at the Holiday Inn and an aviation collectibles sale Feb. 26.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com