‘More than ever, diversity, inclusion and equity must be intrinsic values for companies to ensure the succession of our aerospace workforce’
With more than 34,000 positions needing to be filled in Quebec’s aerospace sector over the next 10 years, Aéro Montréal — a think-tank comprised of employers in Quebec’s aerospace sector — has unveiled recommendations and guidelines to promote the development of diversified skills and fair employment practices in the sector.
For inclusive organizations in Quebec’s aerospace cluster: Building on diverse skills and fair practices presents four major proposals for action encompassing:
- the attraction of new skills and renewal of the workforce
- the identification of sources of bias
- the implementation of a strategic organizational plan
- the strengthening of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action expertise in small, medium and large enterprises and the implementation of measures to evaluate and assess changes.
“To continue to build on this strength and support the industry’s growth, its leaders recognize the importance of implementing a rigorous management of equity, diversity and inclusion within organizations,” says Suzanne Benoît, president and CEO of Aéro Montréal. “The white paper, developed in consultation with the industry, offers tools that will facilitate the implementation of fair employment practices and promote employee development.”
Aéro Montréal is hoping to support organizations in the implementation of tangible EDI action plans, and guide the industry in implementing an aerospace succession planning strategy to attract the next generation of skilled workers.
“The future development and growth of our aerospace industry depends in large part on our ability to attract, develop and retain human capital,” says Kevin Smith, vice-president of HR at Pratt & Whitney Canada and president of Aéro Montréal’s HR working group. “More than ever, diversity, inclusion and equity must be intrinsic values for companies to ensure the succession of our aerospace workforce.”
The labour shortage is also prevalent in small and medium-sized businesses, according to a recent report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB), as it found more than 75 per cent of businesses had trouble hiring workers.
