Key Takeaways
• Alberta Aerospace Fusion launched June 9, 2025, with $1.5 million to address Alberta’s aviation worker shortage.
• Canada faces a projected shortfall of 42,000 to 55,000 aviation workers by 2035, driven by retirements and training gaps.
• Government plans include streamlining foreign worker hiring, improving credential recognition, and modernizing security clearances.
Canada’s Aviation and Aerospace Worker Shortage: Alberta’s New Approach and the National Response
Canada 🇨🇦 is facing a major challenge in its aviation and aerospace industries. On June 9, 2025, the Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council (AAC) launched the Alberta Aerospace Fusion program, a $1.5 million initiative designed to tackle the growing shortage of aviation and aerospace workers. This move comes as industry leaders warn that the country could be short by as many as 55,000 skilled workers by 2035. The shortage is already causing problems, from flight delays to longer wait times for travelers, and threatens the sector’s ability to compete globally.
This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how new programs like Alberta Aerospace Fusion—developed with the Alberta Aviation Future Alliance—are trying to solve the problem. We’ll look at the numbers, the people involved, and what it all means for workers, employers, and anyone interested in Canada’s aviation future.
Why Is There a Shortage of Aviation and Aerospace Workers?
The aviation and aerospace sectors are vital to Canada 🇨🇦’s economy, contributing nearly $29 billion to the country’s GDP in 2023 and supporting 218,000 jobs. But the workforce is aging fast. Nearly half of all aviation and aerospace workers are over 45 years old, and about a third—roughly 55,000 people—will need to be replaced by 2025 due to retirement.
At the same time, not enough new workers are entering the field. Training programs and colleges are only expected to produce about 14,000 graduates by 2025, which is far below what’s needed. For example:
- Pilots: Canada 🇨🇦 needs 7,300 new pilots by 2025, but fewer than 1,200 commercial pilot licenses are issued each year. Only about 70% of those license holders actually enter the industry.
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs): The country needs 5,300 new AMEs by 2025, but only 600 graduate annually.
These shortages are not just numbers—they’re already causing real-world problems. Airlines and airports are struggling to fill jobs, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and longer lines for travelers.
Alberta Aerospace Fusion: A New Solution
The Alberta Aerospace Fusion program is a direct response to these challenges. Announced in June 2025, this initiative is led by the Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council (AAC) and developed in partnership with the Alberta Aviation Future Alliance, which includes Elevate Aviation, CAREERS, and the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA).
What does the program do?
- Training: It offers specialized training for new graduates, focusing on the skills most needed by employers in Alberta’s aviation sector.
- Internships: Graduates can take part in three-week internships, giving them hands-on experience and direct connections to employers.
- Industry Links: The program connects graduates with companies across Alberta, helping them find jobs quickly.
Kendra Kincade, Chair of the Alberta AAC and CEO of Elevate Aviation, explained, “We’re creating opportunities for Albertans to gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to thrive in these essential industries. Together, we’re building a stronger, more prepared workforce for Alberta’s future.”
Nicole Holinaty, Vice Chair of the Alberta AAC, added, “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.”
The Role of the Alberta Aviation Future Alliance
The Alberta Aviation Future Alliance brings together several organizations focused on workforce development, diversity, and training. By working together, these groups hope to make it easier for people—especially women and underrepresented groups—to enter aviation careers.
Programs like Elevate Aviation’s “kindergarten-to-career” approach are designed to get young people interested in aviation early and support them all the way into the workforce. This is important because the industry has traditionally struggled to attract women and people from diverse backgrounds.
National Shortfall: The Numbers Behind the Crisis
The shortage of aviation and aerospace workers is not just an Alberta problem—it’s a national issue. According to recent reports:
- Projected Shortfall: Canada 🇨🇦 will need between 42,000 and 55,000 new aviation and aerospace workers by 2035.
- Current Workforce: There were 218,000 jobs in the sector in 2023, nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.
- Retirement Impact: About 55,000 workers will need to be replaced by 2025 due to retirement.
- Training Pipeline: Only about 14,000 domestic graduates are expected to fill these roles by 2025.
- Regional Data: British Columbia projects 8,600 new aviation jobs between 2023 and 2033.
These numbers show that the gap between supply and demand is wide and growing.
Why Is the Shortage Happening?
Several factors are making the shortage worse:
- Aging Workforce: Many experienced workers are retiring, and there aren’t enough young people to replace them.
- Not Enough Training: Colleges and training programs can’t keep up with demand, especially for pilots and AMEs.
- Competition from Other Sectors: High-paying tech jobs and other industries are attracting potential workers away from aviation.
- Slow Security Clearances: Outdated systems and strict citizenship requirements make it hard for companies to hire quickly.
- Recognition of Foreign Credentials: Many skilled workers from other countries can’t get their qualifications recognized in Canada 🇨🇦, especially aircraft maintenance engineers and pilots.
How Is the Government Responding?
Both the federal and provincial governments are starting to take action. Parliamentary committees have recommended several changes:
- Streamlining Foreign Worker Recruitment: Adding key aviation jobs to critical shortage lists, which would make it easier and faster to hire foreign workers.
- Improving Recognition of Foreign Credentials: Moving to a competency-based system for recognizing the skills of foreign-trained workers, instead of relying only on paperwork. Right now, Transport Canada rejects 99% of foreign credential requests for AMEs.
- Modernizing Security Clearance Systems: Updating the Web-based Security Clearance Processing System (WebSCPS) to speed up hiring.
The Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) is also pushing for a National Labour Market Strategy and regular workforce surveys to help guide policy and training.
For more information on government policy and industry statistics, readers can visit the Government of Canada’s Aerospace and Defence page.
What Does This Mean for Workers and Employers?
For Workers
- Opportunities: There are more job openings than ever, especially for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers.
- Training and Internships: Programs like Alberta Aerospace Fusion make it easier to get the skills and experience needed to land a job.
- Diversity Initiatives: There are new efforts to attract women and people from underrepresented groups, opening doors for more people to join the industry.
- International Workers: If you’re trained abroad, changes may soon make it easier to have your credentials recognized and find work in Canada 🇨🇦.
For Employers
- Hiring Challenges: Companies are struggling to find enough qualified workers, which can lead to operational problems like flight delays and cancellations.
- Competition: There’s intense competition for talent, not just within aviation but from other industries as well.
- Policy Changes: Employers may soon be able to hire foreign workers more easily and get them through security clearances faster.
- Workforce Development: Partnering with programs like Alberta Aerospace Fusion can help companies find and train new talent.
The Impact on Travelers and the Economy
The shortage of aviation and aerospace workers doesn’t just affect companies and workers—it impacts everyone who flies. Travelers are already seeing:
- Flight Delays and Cancellations: Not enough staff means flights are more likely to be delayed or canceled.
- Longer Wait Times: Airports are struggling to keep up with demand, leading to longer lines and wait times.
- Higher Costs: If the shortage continues, it could drive up the cost of air travel.
On a larger scale, the shortage threatens Canada 🇨🇦’s position as a global leader in aerospace. The sector is a major part of the economy, and if it can’t find enough workers, it could lose ground to other countries.
What Are the Solutions?
Workforce Development Programs
Programs like Alberta Aerospace Fusion are leading the way by:
- Offering targeted training and internships
- Connecting graduates directly with employers
- Focusing on the skills most needed in the industry
International Recruitment
There are calls to:
- Add key aviation jobs to critical shortage lists for faster foreign worker processing (for example, NOC codes 72404 for aircraft mechanics/inspectors and 72600 for pilots/engineers/instructors).
- Move to a competency-based system for recognizing foreign-trained workers, making it easier for skilled immigrants to work in Canada 🇨🇦.
- Use the International Mobility Program to help companies hire foreign nationals in critical roles.
Modernizing Security Clearance
Updating the WebSCPS system would help speed up the hiring process, allowing companies to bring on new workers faster.
Investing in Training and Diversity
- Public-Private Partnerships: More collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions is needed.
- Diversity Initiatives: Programs that encourage women and underrepresented groups to join the industry are essential for expanding the talent pool.
Expert Opinions and Industry Perspectives
According to Deloitte’s 2025 outlook, more than 67% of aerospace and defense companies say that attracting and keeping workers is their biggest challenge. The sector needs to invest in early talent pipelines, public-private partnerships, and knowledge transfer as older workers retire.
Global-Aero’s May 2025 report says the talent shortage is severe but not impossible to fix. A proactive approach—attracting, training, and keeping a diverse workforce—is key to long-term success.
Industry leaders, like Kendra Kincade and Nicole Holinaty, stress that real progress comes from working together across education, training, and industry. The Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace continues to push for better data and smarter policies.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada 🇨🇦’s aerospace sector was already starting to feel the effects of an aging workforce and not enough new graduates. The pandemic made things worse, causing many workers to retire early or switch to other industries. By 2023, the sector had almost bounced back to pre-pandemic employment and revenue levels, but the worker shortage had become the biggest barrier to future growth.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Canada’s Aviation and Aerospace Industries?
The future of Canada 🇨🇦’s aviation and aerospace sectors depends on how quickly and effectively these challenges are addressed. The industry is expected to keep growing, driven by new technology in robotics, clean aviation, and artificial intelligence. But without enough skilled workers, this growth could stall.
Ongoing discussions in Parliament and among industry groups may soon lead to changes in how foreign workers are recruited and how their credentials are recognized. More investment in training and workforce development is expected, especially in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia.
Practical Steps for Interested Workers and Employers
- Workers: If you’re interested in a career in aviation or aerospace, look for training programs and internships like those offered by Alberta Aerospace Fusion. If you’re trained abroad, keep an eye on policy changes that may make it easier to work in Canada 🇨🇦.
- Employers: Partner with workforce development programs, stay informed about policy changes, and consider recruiting internationally to fill key roles.
- Students and Parents: Encourage young people to explore careers in aviation and aerospace, as there will be strong demand for years to come.
Where to Find More Information
- Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA): For labour market data and workforce programs, contact [email protected].
- Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council: For details on Alberta Aerospace Fusion and other initiatives, email [email protected].
- Elevate Aviation: For diversity and training programs, reach out to [email protected].
- Government of Canada – Aerospace and Defence: For industry statistics and policy updates, visit the official government page.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Canada 🇨🇦’s aviation and aerospace industries are at a turning point. The shortage of skilled aviation and aerospace workers is a serious problem, but it’s one that can be solved with the right mix of training, policy changes, and partnerships. Programs like Alberta Aerospace Fusion, supported by the Alberta Aviation Future Alliance, show what’s possible when industry, government, and educators work together.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the sector’s future depends on immediate and sustained action. With a focus on diversity, innovation, and international recruitment, Canada 🇨🇦 can continue to lead in aviation and aerospace. For workers, employers, and travelers alike, the next few years will be critical in shaping the industry’s future.
Takeaway: If you’re considering a career in aviation or aerospace, now is the time to get involved. For employers, staying flexible and open to new ways of finding talent—including international recruitment and partnerships with training programs—will be key to success. The entire country has a stake in making sure the skies stay open and the industry remains strong for years to come.
Learn Today
Alberta Aerospace Fusion → A $1.5 million program launched to train and connect aviation workers with Alberta employers.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) → Specialists who inspect and repair aircraft, essential to aviation safety and operations.
Credential Recognition → The process of validating foreign-trained workers’ qualifications to ensure they meet Canadian standards.
WebSCPS → Web-based Security Clearance Processing System used to vet aviation workers for government security requirements.
National Labour Market Strategy → A coordinated plan to address workforce shortages, improve training, and guide policy in aviation.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada’s aviation industry faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, threatening reliability and growth. Alberta’s new Fusion program offers targeted training, internships, and employer connections to close this gap. National strategies aim to streamline hiring, recognize foreign credentials, and build a diverse, future-ready workforce for sustainable industry success.
— By VisaVerge.com
