As we recover from the economic downturn, signs are indicating that the industry is gearing up for better times ahead. A refresher survey conducted by the AAIS and AeroStrategy in the 3rd quarter of 2009 revealed that about half of aerospace companies are planning to increase hiring in 2010. This figure was only 33 per cent in the initial survey conducted in the 1st quarter of 2009. Salary budgets are also improving, and news of companies reinstating benefits to staff are also circulating. These are encouraging signs that an economic recovery is well on its way.

The survey also indicated that one of the top concerns in the industry now is the availability of skilled manpower. This is not surprising as Singapore’s aerospace industry has long been challenged with a shortage of aerospace engineers and technicians.

At the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), or the AAIS, we recognise that attracting and training competent technicians and engineers is of paramount importance to ensuring the industry’s competitiveness in the global market. We are dedicated to promoting the competitiveness of Aerospace companies in Singapore, and this includes narrowing the gaps between manpower supply and needs.

To effectively do this, the Association works closely with strategic industry partners and government agencies such as the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), whose shared goals are to alleviate the manpower strain in the local aerospace industry and encourage the injection of professionally competent technicians and engineers as well as skilled workers into the industry. This AeroCareer Guide – first published in 2008 and now into its 2nd edition – is a result of this purpose, and is one avenue we hope will reach out to those who aspire to be part of this dynamic and rewarding industry. I certainly look forward to seeing more passionate individuals joining the industry as it continues to grow from strength to strength.

Charles Chong
President
Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore)