Writer

Amy Wilder

An Endeavor Business Intelligence survey spotlighted the rising interest in aviation maintenance technician (AMT) careers, with nearly 60% of respondents saying they would be “extremely likely” to recommend the field to young people. The aviation industry, which is facing a critical shortage of qualified technicians, stands to benefit from this positive perception. According to <a href="https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook">Boeing's 2024-2043 Pilot and Technician Outlook</a>, 123,000 new mechanics and avionics professionals will be needed to meet projected demand.
The <a href="https://intelligence.endeavorb2b.com/industries/perception-of-the-trades-report/">Perception of the Trades</a> report, which polled 25,000 households, reflects growing support for aviation maintenance as a career option and for trade careers generally. Overall, 79.5% of respondents indicated that they would recommend trade jobs for their children or family members, an increase from previous surveys. The findings for aviation maintenance stand out compared to other skilled trades, with automotive technician careers receiving just under 46% of “extremely likely” responses.
“After seeing the skilled trades perceived so negatively for several decades in comparison to four-year colleges and white-collar careers, it’s wonderful to see the trades in general, and AMTs in particular, finally being appreciated for the irreplaceable work they do and the stable and rewarding career paths they provide,” said Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics president and CEO Suzanne Markle.
However, the <a href="https://www.atec-amt.org/pipeline-report">2024 Pipeline Report</a> by the Aviation Technical Education Council indicates that aviation maintenance schools like PIA operate at just 65% of capacity, leaving an estimated 12,000 training seats unfilled.
With more than 13,000 annual job openings projected in aviation maintenance and avionics over the next decade, an increased interest in AMT careers could help address the industry's labor gap.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Survey Finds Aviation Maintenance Careers Are Attracting Rising Interest

Responses suggest aviation maintenance is outstripping automotive tech careers

A new survey shows strong support for aviation maintenance careers, with 60% of respondents reporting being in favor of recommending the field to young people.

Survey Finds Strong Interest in Aviation Maintenance Careers

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Groups will award $5,000 grant for business aviation innovation 

JSSI, IADA Join Forces on Innovation Student Grant

Jessica Reed

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Matthew Bromberg will become president and CEO on August 13

CAE Names Northrop Grumman Executive as New CEO

New presidents and CEOs: Stephen Creamer of ATCA, Adam Richardson of Enstrom Helicopter

People in Aviation June 2025

Sheryl Barden

How to be an employer of choice

AINsight: Be the Bizav Org Everyone Wants To Join

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Led Cessna's marketing from 1975 to 2007

Former Cessna Executive Phil Michel Dies at 85

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Industry Townhall: Collaborating on Solutions and Leveraging Opportunities

NATA Leaders: End ‘Passive’ Workforce Approach to Mx Techs

Textron invests in internships and career advancement

SME Honors Textron Aviation for Training Excellence

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Training and Workforce