Survey Reveals Key Workforce Trends and Challenges Facing MRO & Engineering Professionals in Aviation

A recent survey by aviation recruitment specialists GOOSE Recruitment highlights the evolving priorities and challenges for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and Engineering professionals. Now in its second edition, the MRO & Engineering Report 2024 explores critical areas such as job security, employee well-being, job seeking, shift patterns and more.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 650 global professionals, provides actionable insights for aviation employers looking to enhance their workforce strategies and stay competitive in a talent-short marketplace. Alongside valuable industry data, the report includes tailored recommendations to help employers retain and attract skilled professionals.

The report can be downloaded from the GOOSE Recruitment website.

Highlights of the report:

• Rising Job Security Concerns: Job security issues have intensified, with 54% of professionals expressing concern, a notable increase from last year’s 45%. This shift is most pronounced in the Americas where concerns reach 80%. Major stressors, such as limited feedback and growth opportunities, now weigh more heavily than financial factors, sparking a broader debate on whether job stability or a sustainable lifestyle is driving these concerns.
• Career Progression Fuels Turnover: With 75% of permanent employees and 86% of contractors planning to seek new roles in the coming year, career progression has become the primary motivator. Despite high levels of job-seeking intentions, those loyal to their employers point to salary, workplace relationships and work-life balance as key retention factors. Concerningly, more than half of respondents who joined their employer within the last year also expressed plans to leave, indicating signs of the “great regret” and potential issues in preboarding and onboarding in recruitment processes.
• High Levels of Headhunting and Interest in Relocation: Headhunting is widespread, with 60% of professionals reporting recruitment approaches in the past six months, particularly among senior talent. Encouragingly, relocation interest is rising, with 85% open to moving internationally, up from 74% last year – a promising sign for employers expanding into new markets.
• Employee Well-being and Stress: Nearly half of the respondents report high-stress levels, citing workload, leadership style, and deadlines as the top stressors. In addition, a quarter did not feel valued by their employer, indicating a need for better recognition.
• Gender Imbalance and Growing Call for Proactive Initiatives: Despite 70% of respondents feeling diversity is adequate in the profession, a significant gender imbalance (95% male vs. 5% female) raises questions about inclusivity. Additionally, 64% of professionals now call for more proactive diversity efforts, up from 57% last year, reflecting a shift in industry expectations.
• Championing the Future of Aviation: Despite challenges, 88% of respondents would choose their MRO & Engineering careers again, and 85% would recommend their profession to young people, demonstrating strong career satisfaction and endorsement. 

“The survey confirms that today’s MRO and Engineering professionals are looking for more than just a pay cheque. They want career advancement, to thrive in a supportive culture, recognition, and develop relationships at work,” said Mark Charman, CEO and Founder at GOOSE Recruitment. “By focusing on these key areas, companies can not only attract but also retain the top talent that will drive the industry’s future growth.”