Helicopter Association International (HAI) is seeking members for its new Workforce Development Working Group, whose mission is to develop and expand the international vertical flight industry workforce. In this capacity, the working group will create and review programs that are designed to address pilot and maintenance technician shortages across the industry.

The Workforce Development Working Group, formed at the direction of the HAI Board of Directors, will be tasked with developing a comprehensive recruitment plan that addresses critical areas such as educational outreach, the Mil2Civ transition, job fairs, and marketing. The group will also seek collaboration within the industry to cultivate partnerships with the goal of recruiting and retaining talent.

“We’re seeking HAI members to join this diverse working group who’ve been successful in bringing talent to their company or to the industry in general,” says Greg Brown, HAI director of education and training services and staff liaison to the working group. “We welcome as potential working group members heads of companies, human resources staff, maintenance directors, chief pilots, and others with experience attracting, hiring, and retaining talent. If you’ve ever considered giving back to the industry, this is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and experience.”

The working group will comprise 5 to 30 members who together will possess a diversity of skills and experience reflecting the global VTOL industry. HAI is also seeking at least 1 group member from an institution of higher learning, such as a middle or high school, college or university, or aviation trade school. Participation is open to HAI members around the world.

The Workforce Development Working Group is 1 of 13 working groups that advise HAI leadership on key sectors of the VTOL industry. Like all other HAI working groups, the Workforce Development group will consist entirely of HAI members and be led by a chair, vice chair, and secretary who are elected from the working group’s members. A member of the HAI Board of Directors and a staff liaison also participate in the groups. HAI working groups typically meet virtually but usually hold at least one in-person meeting per year, at HAI HELI-EXPO®.

HAI members interested in joining the Workforce Development Working Group can visit the group’s web page for details on submitting an application for consideration. Applications will close August 15, 2022.