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Tag: Future

Future aviation workforce needs revamp for technological transformation. The outcomes of Engage 2 panel discussion at Airspace World

Rome, March 28th 2024 –  On Thursday, March 21st, the panel Future Aviation Workforce and new skills for a transformative future, moderated by Veronika Takacs from Deep Blue and organised by Engage 2, took place during the event “Future skies: tomorrow’s voices” at Airspace World, in Geneva.

The panel was composed by prominent speakers, including Sharon Cooke, CEO of Airways International and Peter Kearney, CEO of AirNav Ireland. They discussed the necessary skill sets for meeting the demands of the future aviation sector. Diana Kelly, the Chief Human Resources Officer at NAV CANADA, Thomas Romig, the Vice President at Airports Council International (ACI) World and Ann Persson Grivas, CEO of Luftfartsverket (LFV) led discussions on potential career paths and identified the skills necessary to bridge the gap between the current and future workforce.

The session highlighted the importance of developing skills with agility to keep up with the ever-changing aviation industry. Participants highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills, especially in customer service, and the need to align skill sets with technological advancements.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in workforce expectations, requiring a recalibration of recruitment and selection strategies. Initiatives are underway to redefine required competencies more frequently. The emphasis is on attracting passionate individuals who embody the evolving ethos of the aviation industry.

To attract young talents, the panel emphasised the need to use innovative platforms like TikTok for employer branding and engage with high school students to cultivate interest in aviation careers. Additionally, accommodating the evolving expectations of the workforce, such as offering customisable work environments and facilitating opportunities like sabbaticals, emerged as crucial strategies to appeal to the younger demographic.
The panel recommended fostering collaboration between industries and educational institutions to ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals. They suggested enhancing mentorship programs, supporting industry-backed master theses, and strengthening links between academia and industry. This should even extend to high school level partnerships.

Future aviation workforce discussed at Airspace World

Rome, February 19th 2024 –  The upcoming Airspace World conference in Geneva will host a panel discussion on the future of the aviation workforce and the new skills needed for a transformative future. The panel, titled “Future Aviation Workforce and new skills for a transformative future,” will take place on Thursday, March 21st 2024, from 11:00 to 11:50 at the Frequentis Theatre.

Moderated by Veronika Takacs, Human Factors Lead Consultant from Deep Blue, the panel will feature prominent industry leaders who will share their insights on the evolving landscape of the ATM workforce:

  • Sharon Cooke, CEO of Airways International
  • Peter Kearney, CEO of AirNav Ireland
  • Diana Kelly, Chief Human Resources Officer at NAV CANADA
  • Ann Persson Grivas, CEO of Luftfartsverket (LFV)
  • Thomas Romig, Vice President, Safety, Security and Operation at Airports Council International at ACI World and Chair of the Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce “Developing the Workforce of the Future”

The discussion will address the challenges and opportunities presented by the advancements in technology and automation in the aviation industry. The panelists will explore the critical skills needed for future aviation professionals, including the understanding of evolving technologies and their application in ATM systems, data analysis and interpretation, skills to navigate complex situations and develop innovative solutions and the ability to adapt to continuous change and embrace ongoing learning opportunities.

Future Skies: Tomorrow’s Voices is an initiative organized by CANSO, Engage 2 and Firstfruits services aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals. The full programme of the day, available here, includes two forum sessions where graduates and students who have participated in the three-day event will be able to share their insights and concerns, fostering an open dialogue about their experiences and takeaways. There is also a second panel on the “Strategies for talent attraction and workforce diversity”, as well as a Career Fair, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities in the aviation and air traffic management industries.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of the ATM workforce and shape your career path in aviation!