The Aviation Workforce: Industry Perspectives on Training Needs and Challenges

Washington, and the nation, needs more skilled aerospace workers due to a “perfect storm” of increased demand, impending retirements and new technology. A recent report from the Accenture/Washington Aerospace Partnership calls for an increase in efforts to get veterans trained for the civilian aviation workforce. The Washington State Council on Aerospace estimated that 21,000 new aerospace workers are needed in Washington over the next decade. Boeing’s 20-year forecast found that the world’s airlines need to add 460,000 pilots and 650,000 maintenance technicians in the next two decades. Of this total, North America is projected to need 82,800 pilots and 134,800 maintenance personnel.