Canada Running Out of Aviation Workers

Canada is set to have between 42,000 and 55,000 unfilled jobs in aviation by 2035, according to an announcement released last month by the Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council (Alberta AEC).  

To help mitigate the shortage of workers in the industry, the council has developed a program for high school students and recent graduates to gain insights and experience working in the field. The program is a collaboration between Alberta Aviation Future Alliance, Elevate Aviation, CAREERS and the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA).

Students will be placed in a three-week internship  through the Alberta AAC membership base and partner organizations.

“This initiative is about real results,” said Nicole Holinaty, Vice Chair of the Alberta AAC. “We’re not just talking about workforce development—we’re driving it. By uniting key players in education, training, and industry, we’re creating tangible pathways to employment and shaping the future of aviation in Alberta.”

Through programs such as these, the aviation industry is working to create a talent pipeline and avoid the projected shortages. “We’re thrilled to connect Alberta’s youth with hands-on experiences that lead directly to meaningful employment,” said Shane McKay, Regional Manager at CAREERS. “There’s a tremendous amount of untapped potential in this next generation—and this program gives them a real runway to soar.”

Related: Blue Skies, Big Dreams: 'Girls Can Fly' Events Challenge Aviation’s Gender Gap

Topics From This Article to Explore