Boom time in the Middle East market means an ever-increasing need for quality qualified personnel, including pilots and engineers. But as competition for the best people intensifies, attractive salary and benefits packages are likely to be on offer for the right candidates.
The growth of Etihad and Qatar Airways, the rapid expansion of Emirates and the rise of low-cost operators in the region requires a constant influx of candidates – but in some fields, availability of quality staff may be less than is needed to keep all the airlines happy.
“One of the problems for organisations is the demographic profile of engineers and technicians,” says Bob Keane, commercial director of recruitment firm Resource Group, which is building its presence in the Middle East in response to the strength of the market. “The average technician is getting older and there are fewer entering the business. The clock is ticking and this will have a serious impact on businesses for years to come.”
Keane attributes the aging demographic in part to the financial constraints on airlines post-9/11, which has led many to cut down on investment in long-term training for engineering apprentices.
Shortages of various types of personnel are possible, the most prominent being licensed engineers, but according to Keane various white-collar functions, such as technical services and maintenance planning are likely to become increasingly sought after.
“There are only so many of these people to go around,” he says, “and as aircraft fleets increase, as they are in the Middle East, so does the workload. The fortunate thing about the Middle East is that the airlines there are likely to have sizeable operating budgets.”
If demand continues to soar for certain types of skills, candidates should be able to secure extremely favourable deals, he believes.
“It’s becoming a seller’s market. With more people retiring and moving away from the industry, this leaves a vacuum – ultimately individuals know their values and what companies are prepared to pay. Some of our people have been placed on very good packages. Costs will soar for the rarer skills.”
An average licensed engineer, working a 50h week, can expect to earn around £1,500 ($2,570) a week, says Keane.
To go some way towards meeting client demand, Resource Group has started its own small apprenticeship programme in the UK, established in 2002, with eight apprentice technicians now entering their third year of study. The training school, based in Cwmbran, Wales, contains sheet metal, mechanical and electrical workshops, as well as its own working aircraft.
“I am very proud we have been able to do something like that,” says Keane. “I would love to be able to get an increased intake. If other organisations are interested in participating in the scheme, we would be very open to that.”
Source: Flight International
