Higher Travel Demand Strains Aviation Sector Amid Calls for Skilled Workforce

5 months ago Editor

Career Conversion Programme and Mid-Career Switches Help Sustain Manpower Amid Growing Travel Demand

image source: Reuters

As global travel demand continues to rebound, the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to meet the needs of passengers, prompting concerns about a potential shortage of skilled manpower. However, initiatives such as Singapore’s Career Conversion Programme (CCP) and the influx of mid-career workers into the industry are playing a crucial role in sustaining the workforce.

Ms. Sharmeet Kaur, a 31-year-old former public servant turned customer experience specialist at Delta Air Lines, exemplifies the success of such initiatives. Despite initially feeling apprehensive about transitioning into the aviation sector, Ms. Kaur found support and guidance within her new role, handling over 400 calls a month with confidence.

Delta Air Lines, among other carriers, has leveraged Singapore’s CCP to address the surge in travel demand following the pandemic. Through this program, the airline has trained and hired over 100 employees, ensuring it can meet the evolving needs of travelers.

The rise in travel demand, forecasted to grow by up to 15% this year according to Skyscanner, has underscored the importance of a skilled workforce. Despite concerns about manpower shortages, data from Workforce Singapore (WSG) indicates a positive trend, with over 90% of CCP participants remaining employed in the aviation sector two years after enrollment.

In addition to the CCP, institutes of higher learning have witnessed an uptick in enrollment for aviation-related courses, signaling growing interest and demand for skilled professionals in the industry.

Anderson Ee, WSG’s director of manufacturing and connectivity, highlights the CCP’s role in addressing manpower challenges by facilitating talent acquisition from diverse sectors and upskilling existing workers. By offering structured training and on-the-job learning opportunities, companies can adapt to changing industry demands and foster a skilled workforce.

Delta’s engagement center director, Ms. Nirmala Krishnan, emphasizes the program’s significance in mitigating the impact of the pandemic-induced manpower shortage. By reskilling over 100 employees through the CCP, Delta could bridge the gap and meet the rising demand for customer service professionals across its operations in the Asia-Pacific region and the US.

As the aviation sector navigates the complexities of post-pandemic recovery, initiatives like the Career Conversion Programme are instrumental in ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of travelers worldwide.