Aerospace report finds access to skilled workers is the biggest challenge in the industry
by CM staff
MONTREAL — Aéro Montréal announced recommendations for improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in the aerospace sector. The presentation of the conclusions of the study, conducted by Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), was attended by Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development, as well as many members of the industry.
The Canadian aerospace industry contributed over $24 billion to the GDP in 2021. Yet, according to the survey results, limited access to skilled workers is the biggest challenge facing employers today. Nearly 38 per cent of respondents reported difficulty recruiting.
Aéro Montréal is working with EY Canada to develop a report on practices in the sector. The study, which is a working and reference tool, proposes recommendations to support change in organizations and encourages the implementation of evaluation parameters for the efforts made.
The report – entitled Reframe your future by creating value for tomorrow’s generations Insights from the Canadian Aerospace Industry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey 2022 – outlines six proposals for action, including:
- Creating an inclusive and psychologically healthy workplace;
- Establishing formal guidelines;
- Planning communications on diversity, equity and inclusion, internally and externally;
- Leading by example;
- Demonstrating transparency; and
- Establishing tracking criteria.
“Over 38,000 jobs will need to be filled in this sector in Québec within the next 10 years,” said Suzanne M. Benoît, President, Aéro Montréal. “These future talents want to work for an employer that is at the forefront of sustainability and fosters a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. To increase their chances of attracting and retaining top talent, it is critical that our members quickly integrate all aspects of DEI. Through this study and the Inclusive succession planning initiative, Aéro Montréal is giving itself the means to support companies in the sector in these profound but necessary changes for our organizations.”
Conducted in collaboration with Ernst & Young, these recommendations consider the comments and suggestions gathered from 438 aerospace industry employees. More than 11 interviews with 14 professionals from small, medium and large aerospace companies were also conducted.
