The bipartisan Aviation Workforce Development Pilot Program Bill was recently introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives with the goal of encouraging people to pursue careers in aviation and preparing the nation’s workforce to meet 21st-century aviation needs.
The bill would provide incentives for schools, labor organizations, governmental entities and businesses to pursue strategies to develop technical talent.
In four years, there will be a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians, according to numerous studies, and the nation will not be able to meet the industry’s demand for those services and skills.
The bill is co-sponsored by Sam Graves (R-MO), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).
“With more than 2.58 million passengers traveling through U.S. airports every day, it’s crucial that the aviation industry has the skilled workforce they need to get every passenger to their destination safely,” Mullin said. “The Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program Act will help the aviation industry match the growing demand for its maintenance workers by creating a grant program to support career development for the industry. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure the aviation maintenance industry has the skilled workforce it needs to fulfill the increasing demand for air travel.”