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The technician shortage - a need for expert training |
David Bienvenu, Global Leader, Maintenance Training & OEM Relationships, CAE discusses the need for structured maintenance technician training in a severely strained workforce environment.
If you ask almost any operator today what keeps them up at night, the answers usually revolve around aircraft availability, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability.
But behind all of those concerns sits a growing challenge that affects every corner of the aviation ecosystem: the worldwide shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs).
The numbers are striking. According to CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, the global aviation industry will need more than 416,000 new maintenance technicians by 2034, including around 69,000 in business aviation alone. That demand is being driven by continued fleet growth, the increasing sophistication of aircraft systems, and a wave of retirements among experienced technicians.
For operators and owners, this isn’t just a workforce issue. It’s an operational one.
Aircraft maintenance is a highly specialized profession where experience matters enormously. Afterall, the quality of technician training directly impacts safety, reliability, and aircraft availability.
Historically, hangar floors were staffed with large numbers of seasoned technicians who mentored new entrants as they learned the trade. That balance has shifted dramatically. In the past, there were roughly nine experienced technicians for every new entrant. Today the industry is facing the reverse dynamic — closer to seven newcomers for every three experienced professionals.
That change has significant implications for training the next generation of technicians and getting them fully operational - and flawless - on the hangar floor.
High aircraft utilization, tight operational schedules, and stretched senior staff mean there is far less capacity for on-the-job coaching. Relying solely on traditional, apprentice-style training is no longer realistic.
Structured training delivered by specialist providers has become essential. These organizations offer advantages difficult to replicate internally: experienced instructors, standardized content aligned with OEM requirements, and access to advanced training tools. Together, these help technicians build the right skills quickly and safely.
Our maintenance training program at a glance
CAE - traditionally known as a world leader in pilot training - offers comprehensive maintenance technician training on a full suite of OEM programs, including Bombardier, Gulfstream, Dassault, Embraer, and more.
Our students’ have unbeatable access to technology, leveraging CAE’s world-class simulation devices, aircraft parts, hybrid rooms and virtual reality.
To meet the flexibility needed by our customers, we provide the training at any of CAE’s 70 civil aviation training centers around the globe, as well as at the customer’s location on request, and even online via our hybrid classrooms.
We teach type rated aircraft maintenance technician courses, as well as in-depth initial training courses on specific aircraft. This includes the latest and most technologically advanced business aircraft being built today.
Our refresher courses reflect evolving OEM updates, new aircraft, engine run and taxi courses, real case studies, and opportunities to build problem-solving and leadership skills. Courses range anywhere from a three-day course to as long as five-plus weeks for a full aircraft tip to tail initial course.
A new training mindset
The aircraft maintenance technician shortage is not a temporary cycle. It represents a structural shift in the aviation workforce.
Addressing it will require a new mindset across the industry - one that views training as a strategic investment throughout a technician’s career.
By combining expert instruction, advanced technology, and flexible training delivery, operators can ensure their technicians are prepared to keep aircraft safe, reliable, and mission-ready.
And in today’s aviation environment, that preparation has never been more important.
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 30th April 2026 | Issue #840
