Army, Navy, and Air Force were collectively experiencing their own shortfall of 41,000 recruits in the fiscal year ending September 2023. As a leader in the vertical aviation industry, VAI under-
stands the importance of developing solutions to address the talent shortage, which is why the association in October 2022 made workforce development one of its five strategic initiatives, with a vision of establishing a sustainable industry workforce pipeline such as that outlined in the graphic on p. 54. Ultimately, the association can’t mandate changes to how our industry recruits and retains talent. Instead, VAI’s role is to bring the industry together to discuss, identify, and promote best practices that can be implemented by operators and maintenance facilities. To gain that industry input, the board also authorized the creation of the VAI Workforce Development Working Group to provide their perspective on actions the industry can take to address the shortage. If you’re interested in joining the Workforce Development
Working Group or you’re looking for ways to better recruit staff for your organization, please see “Call to Action,” on p. 53, for information on how you can be part of the workforce development solution.
Building a Path into Vertical Aviation One factor making recruiting difficult is a lack of awareness among the public about vertical aviation careers and the absence of a clear path to employment. VAI has developed several initiatives to help. In 2019, the association worked closely with the state of
Utah to create the Utah Rotor Pathway Program (URPP). Tis was the first education program in the nation bringing together educators, rotorcraft professionals, and state government officials to prepare high school students for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers in rotary-wing aviation. In the URPP, students earn college credits and learn skills specific to vertical aviation while participating in technical classes and hands-on learning at the secondary-school level. Te students are also connected to universities that offer paths to professional licensing. Te URPP program also connects rotorcraft industry
professionals with high schools, flight schools, and univer- sities to offer benefits such as mentoring, internships, and job interviews upon students’ completion of their rotary-wing programs. Building on the success of the URPP, VAI has partnered
with the University of North Dakota to roll out a Rotor Pathway Program in the state. Mark Schlaefli, owner– operator of Black Hills Aerial Adventures and Yellowstone Helicopters and vice chair of VAI, is participating in the
program as an eager industry partner. “Part of our stated purpose as operators is to help develop
the next generation of technicians and pilots who have an interest in vertical aviation,” says Schlaefli. “It is imperative that we as an industry help turn that interest into a passion. I was fortunate to have mentors throughout my journey, and we have a calling to give back and help a new generation of rotary-wing pilots find their place in vertical aviation.”
Taking Students to the Show Other programs to raise awareness about vertical aviation careers occur each year at the association’s annual confer- ence and trade show. While this year’s show is HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, the show will be renamed VERTICON beginning with the 2025 edition. However, all activities described below as occurring at Expo are also planned to take place at VERTICON. Te Jeff Pino Foundation has partnered with VAI the
past two years to coordinate attendance of high school students at the show. One of the organization’s missions is to mentor young people who aspire to careers in aviation. Te foundation provides scholarships to students interested in aviation, and VAI plans to work with the group on vertical aviation–specific scholarships this year. Te Jeff Pino
Call to Action
Simple steps you can take to help increase the industry workforce.
There are several ways you can help drive interest in vertical aviation careers: ■ Visit your local high school, flight school, or A&P school to promote the industry and discuss jobs that exist locally.
■ Donate to the VAI Scholarships program, which provides approximately $30,000 annually in funds for current and aspiring pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. To make a contribution, contact
GregB@verticalavi.org.
■ Explore programs such as the US Department of Defense SkillBridge initiative, which offers active-duty service members the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job work experience during their last 180 days of service.
■ Start a mentorship or apprenticeship program at your company. ■ Consider creating a pathway program in your state. Contact
Advocacy@verticalavi.org for more information.
■ Volunteer to be a part of the VAI Workforce Development Working Group and help develop solutions for the industry. For more information on ways to get involved, please contact Education@vertical avi .org.
MARCH 2024 ROTOR 53
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