The rapid expansion of Indian aviation is set against the backdrop of a critical shortage of qualified AMEs. Traditional training pathways, which typically span 2 to 4 years, are insufficient to meet the burgeoning demand. The industry’s survival hinges on the quality and availability of maintenance and service engineers, underscoring the need for an accelerated and effective training approach.Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta of Teamlease Degree Apprenticeship highlights the current industry situation and suggest various wayout to strengthen the upcoming demand of skilled manpower.
India’s aviation sector is soaring as a bellwether of the nation’s economic rise. Fueled by a growing middle class with increasing disposable income, and rising travel demand, the industry is experiencing explosive growth. Passenger and cargo traffic are soaring, prompting airlines to expand routes and the government to invest in new and upgraded airports. This strategic investment translates to impressive economic multipliers, with each unit invested generating a significant 6.1x increase in employment opportunities and a remarkable 3.25x increase in overall economic output. Contributing a substantial 5% to India’s GDP and creating an estimated 4 million jobs, aviation has become a powerful economic engine. However, a storm cloud looms on the horizon: a crippling 17% skilled workforce deficit, projected to balloon to over 25% by year’s end, across key roles including pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, and maintenance technicians, especially Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs).
The projections indicate a requirement for at least 13,000-15,000 AMEs over the next decade. Leading flight operators in the country have collectively placed orders for approximately 1,200 aircraft, underscoring the escalating demand for skilled professionals to maintain and service these planes. However, the current recognition of the AME course by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as a certificate course rather than a graduation degree poses a significant challenge. Despite their essential role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft, AMEs face limitations in career advancement due to the lack of formal degree recognition. An AME, in schools, is certified either in B1 (mechanical-based courses that focus on aircraft systems like airframes, engines, and landing gears) or B2 (avionic-based courses that focus on electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation, navigation, and radio systems). Even after completing a four-year course, individuals must be trained under an AME before they are allowed to take the lead. According to industry estimates, the country has around 7,000 AMEs in various aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. However, a significant gap exists between the employability skills these schools provide and those demanded by the industry.
Unless addressed, this talent drought could significantly impede India’s aviation ambitions. It is imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in bridging this gap and ensuring the continued efficient operation of this vital sector. Degree apprenticeships can play a crucial role in aligning educational outcomes with industry requirements, providing a practical solution to this pressing issue.
Leveraging Degree Apprenticeships to Meet Industry Demands
Degree apprenticeships offer a promising solution to the skilled workforce deficit in India’s aviation sector, particularly for roles like Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). By combining practical, on-the-job training with formal academic learning, degree apprenticeships enable AMEs to “learn while earning,” gaining both hands-on experience and a recognized degree. This model not only addresses the immediate need for skilled professionals but also fosters career advancement, integrates industry-relevant curriculum, reduces recruitment costs, bridges theory and practice, ensures quality assurance, provides industry networking opportunities, and promotes continuous skill enhancement, ensuring comprehensive development aligned with global standards and industry needs.
For example, a degree apprenticeship program could allow AMEs to work at aviation companies while pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Companies benefit by investing in training future professionals tailored to their specific needs, potentially reducing recruitment costs and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Moreover, integrating a credit-based framework would enable AMEs to leverage their existing qualifications towards a degree, enhancing their career prospects and meeting industry standards effectively.
In addition to degree apprenticeships, aligning training programs with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) could further enhance skill development in the aviation sector. The NSQF provides a standardized framework for competency-based education and training, ensuring that qualifications are recognized nationally and internationally. By adopting NSQF-aligned curricula and certifications, AME colleges can improve the employability of graduates and meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Industry Collaboration
Enhancing infrastructure and updating training facilities are crucial steps to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical skills. Industry leaders like IndiGo and Air India are investing in advanced training academies and infrastructure development in India. These initiatives aim to modernize training methodologies, provide state-of-the-art facilities, and offer specialized programs that meet international standards. By integrating a credit-based framework, AMEs can enhance their academic credentials and gain a comprehensive skill set required for career advancement. Implementing qualification modularity allows AMEs to build their education flexibly and step-by-step, aligning with their career goals and industry needs.
Additionally, major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus are injecting billions of dollars into the development of aviation infrastructure in India, which includes setting up advanced training facilities and partnering with educational institutions to offer specialized programs. These investments aim to modernize training methodologies and build a robust talent pipeline.
By investing in on-the-job training (OJT) and work-integrated learning programs, these companies can ensure that students gain practical experience under the guidance of industry experts, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. This proactive approach enhances the employability of graduates and strengthens the overall competitiveness of India’s aviation industry on a global scale.
Advocating for Policy Changes
Advocating for policy changes is crucial to elevating the status of the AME program. This will ensure that AMEs receive a more holistic education that combines hands-on experience with in-depth theoretical knowledge, facilitates career progression for AMEs, and provides a steady supply of highly skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of India’s burgeoning aviation sector.
Given these developments, the intervention of the DGCA has become even more essential. As the regulatory body overseeing these institutions, the DGCA can enforce higher standards and ensure compliance with international norms. Their involvement can facilitate these industry efforts, ensuring that the improvements in infrastructure and training quality are consistent across all AME colleges. This coordinated approach will enhance the quality of training and ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.
Career Progression and Incentives for AMEs
Financial incentives are crucial to attracting and retaining talent. Degree apprenticeships often involve cost-sharing, reducing the financial burden of training. Additionally, implementing structured stipend systems with standardized minimums and experience-based increases can significantly improve the situation. Competitive stipends ease financial pressure on apprentices and attract a wider range of talent. This focus on financial well-being throughout the program can improve morale, reduce dropout rates, and benefit the aviation industry by fostering a skilled and motivated AME workforce.
Beyond financial incentives, other strategies can enhance career opportunities for AMEs. Industry recognition programs acknowledging outstanding AME technicians can boost morale and showcase their value. Encouraging cross-training opportunities allows AMEs to gain experience in different areas of aircraft maintenance, broadening their skills and opening doors to more career options. Additionally, improving work-life balance through flexible work schedules or shift premiums can make the job more attractive and reduce burnout, leading to increased retention of skilled AMEs. Finally, targeted outreach programs to schools and universities can generate interest in AME careers among younger generations, highlighting the potential for growth and addressing the technician shortage in the long run.
By combining these strategies, the aviation industry can create a more rewarding and fulfilling career path for AME technicians, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce that keeps the skies safe.
