Chamber Update
Within two decades, over three-quarters of a million aircraft technician jobs will need to be filled due to retirements that have already begun.
According to a recent story reported by CNBC, “The average age of a mechanic is 51. More than a quarter are older than 64.” Within a couple of years, young mechanics can earn $72,000 a year (in 2016 U.S. median household income was $59,039), according to the Aviation Technician Education Council.
When I read that story I immediately connected some dots. We have Dover Air Force Base and plenty of skilled men and women that upon their own retirement could train future aircraft technicians. We have vocational and technical high schools that could add the existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications to their curriculum, similar to the programs offered at only a small number of high schools around the country.
In closing, I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday in Dover at our first “Developing Delaware” conference where we hope ideas like this and others will lead us to a bright future!
News You Can Use
Tuesday will see the release of industrial production statistics from September, while Wednesday we will learn of September housing starts and building permits. Thursday the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index and leading economic indicators are reported and existing home sales figures from September will round out the week on Friday.
