Platitudes and feature stories will only get us so far . While we are fond of featuring companies in the pages of this magazine and positively telling their stories , there are issues to uncover . Let ’ s look honestly at some of the biggest concerns and industry issues with three anonymous aerospace insiders , each a seasoned expert in their field . In this article , we will learn from upper echelon C-Suite leaders of three regional businesses serving the aerospace manufacturing industry . They include company owners / co-owners , a president , and a vice-president of operations . All our contributors are long-tenured in their businesses and the aerospace industry .
Leaders ’ concerns range from continuing lost business post-pandemic , to workforce and raw materials issues . One leader is deeply concerned about the profound impact of lost post-pandemic sales , which is reverberating throughout the industry . Another is concerned about governance and regulations .
Quality concerns are real and must be remedied . However , even more concerning is a decade-long issue about workforce development . The industry ’ s ability to hire educated and trained workers is not just a concern , it ’ s a pressing issue that demands immediate attention .
Workforce
Disparity in finding qualified , willing , and trained employees remains a great challenge . One of our business leaders said , “ We have seen much of our work go to Mexico and the Philippines , which again impacts sales . The availability of skilled workers , or any workers , seems to be at an all-time low . Few applications are received for any job , and many applicants either do not respond to an interview request or last a few days before becoming a ' no-show .'"
This leader added , “ Manpower will need to be in place to serve the expected wave of work that we all believe is just around the corner .”
With hope for the future , our expert shared some solutions to the workforce concerns . “ High schools , junior colleges , teen centers — they all need to encourage young folks to get out into the workforce . Emerging workers need guidance to prepare and the confidence to apply themselves to the job . Work ethic must be taught . High minimum wages are a double-edged sword . There is no room or budget to hire someone at $ 15 to $ 20 per hour that has zero work experience . That means every employee must come in and earn it . If it ’ s hard to find a kid to mow your grass , how are we going to build a workforce from kids that , in general , don ’ t want to apply themselves ? For every five young adults hired , only one lasts more than the first two weeks , and we have a nice work environment . High labor rates mean we will not compete well , and the work will go overseas .”
" There is no room or budget to hire someone at $ 15 to $ 20 per hour that has zero work experience ."
22 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS