How the aviation industry can make its workforce more diverse

A pilot volunteering at a Girls in Aviation Day event teaching girls from the community about how lift is created. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund. There are many reasons for the aviation industry to promote diversity. A workforce comprised of varying backgrounds can bring different ideas and experiences to the table. Another reason for companies within the aviation industry to turn to increasing diversity is to help fill the gap with employee shortages industry-wide. Aviation is lacking qualified pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and dispatchers. These are great careers that offer a lot of benefits and potential to move up within the job. Many of these jobs lack women as well as ethnical minorities. Promoting diversity within aviation would help recruit workers from different backgrounds to get a start in aviation. Outreach Outreach is a great way to promote diversity and get future generations of aviation personnel involved. The Civil Air Patrol, Young Eagles, Girls Scouts and Boys Scouts are a few organizations where kids can get introduced to aviation. The Girls and Boys Scouts have an aviation badge that they can earn. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) does a lot when it comes to outreach. Touring Air Traffic Control facilities, taking introductory flights in a small aircraft, learning the phonetic alphabet and basic aerodynamics are just a few ways CAP introduces kids to aviation. Women in Aviation International (WAI) holds a Girls in Aviation Day event every year. This event attracts airlines and aviation businesses industry-wide to volunteer and introduce girls to the many careers available in aviation. Scholarships Scholarships are a great way to get students closer to the finish line in their careers. Many organizations promoting diversity in aviation offer scholarships. Airlines and aviation companies can partner with these organizations in order to sponsor a scholarship. The scholarships are available for all to apply, including allies of minority groups. There are many scholarship opportunities for pilots, dispatchers, mechanics, aerospace engineers, and those in business aviation. Employee resource groups (ERGs) ERGs are voluntary groups led by employees with the mission of supporting the work group and promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. These groups hold events, participate in community work, and create a more accepting environment for employees at various companies. ERGs are popular among airlines. Most airlines have LGBTQ+, religious, women/motherhood, and ethnic ERGs. Many smaller businesses within aviation do not have ERGs due to the smaller workforce and lack of resources. ERGs are a great way to strengthen morale amongst employees and promote diversity. Sponsoring diverse aviation organizations There are many professional organizations in aviation that promote diversity. Many of these organizations offer sponsorship tiers. Airlines and other aviation companies can support these groups by becoming a sponsor. The funds from sponsoring organizations, such as Women in Aviation International, the Gay Pilots Association, and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, will go towards increasing diversity. These funds will sponsor scholarships, fund outreach events, and increase membership. Airlines and aviation companies can also give back to these organizations by participating in recruiting events at the annual conferences most of these aviation organizations hold.RELATED STORY: The role the aviation industry plays in promoting diversity The aviation industry can benefit from turning to diversity to assist with the employee shortage as well as increasing workforce morale. Outreach, scholarships, ERGs, and partnering with organizations promoting diversity are just a few ways airlines and aviation companies can accomplish the goal of increasing diversity within the industry. The varying backgrounds of the workgroup can bring more knowledge and experience to the table while also promoting a more open-minded culture.