Skills management in the aeronautics sector: Key to a changing industry

salome@merca.team

Update
February 21, 2024

Reading
8 minutes

Things to remember

  • The aerospace industry is facing three major challenges: integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, complying with increasingly stringent international standards, and the ecological transition, which calls for new skills in eco-design and sustainable innovation.

  • Proactive skills management involves continuous training, GPEC and internal mobility, three levers for aligning talent with technological and regulatory developments, while building team loyalty.

  • LISI Aerospace illustrates the positive impact of digitalization with Mercateam: elimination of cumbersome Excel spreadsheets, simplified audits, real-time monitoring of authorizations and a measurable increase in versatility and operational agility.

  • Innovative teaching methods (augmented reality, virtual reality, educational partnerships) help to prepare talented people for the complex environments and specific requirements of the aerospace industry.

  • Anticipating tomorrow's skills through continuous technological and regulatory monitoring is essential to maintain competitiveness, innovation and sustainability in a rapidly changing sector.

Introduction

Faced with the unprecedented challenges and disruptive innovations that are redefining the aeronautics landscape, mastering the skills management is becoming the essential lever for ensuring the sector's agility and resilience. As the industry embarks on an era of radical transformation, propelled by technological advances and ecological imperatives, the ability to anticipate and adapt to tomorrow's skills lies at the heart of the strategy for maintaining competitiveness and stimulating innovation.

Visit aeronautics sectorAs a pillar of innovation and technology, the industry is facing a series of unprecedented changes that are redefining its needs in terms of skills and expertise. These changes are mainly driven by rapid technological advances, stringent regulatory developments, growing demands for sustainable development and the profound impacts of the global pandemic. Each factor plays a pivotal role in the transformation of the aeronautical landscape, highlighting the crucial importance of adapting workforce skills to remain competitive and innovative.

I. Skills challenges in the aeronautical industry

Technological change and the need for new skills

The advent of Industry 4.0 marks a revolution in the aerospace sector, bringing with it a paradigmatic shift in the skills required. The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and massive data analysis, is redrawing the contours of traditional professions and creating new ones. Digitization and automation are becoming key drivers of this transformation, requiring professionals not only to master the skills of the new technologies, but also to be able to adapt to them. digital tools but also an ability to adapt quickly to innovations.

Adaptation to international standards and regulations

At a time when safety and the environment are becoming major global issues, mastery of international standards is an absolute must. Constantly changing regulations call for specialized skills in compliance management and regulatory monitoring. Professionals must be able to interpret and apply international directives, thereby guaranteeing flight safety and environmental protection.

Managing the ecological transition

Faced with the urgency of climate change, the aeronautical sector is being pushed towards an ecological transition, underlining the need for skills in eco-design and sustainable innovation. The development and implementation of new green technologies, such as alternative fuels or electric propulsion systems, requires specific expertise and a high level of expertise in the field. training adapted. The challenges associated with this ecological transition are not just technical, but also cultural, requiring a real transformation of mindsets and practices within the industry.

These challenges underscore the need for a proactive skills management The ability to anticipate and respond effectively to new skills needs is therefore a key success factor in a changing world. The ability to anticipate and respond effectively to the need for new skills is becoming a key success factor in a changing world.

II. Skills development strategies

Training and skills enhancement

Visit continuing education is emerging as an essential pillar for the development and adaptation of skills in the aeronautics sector. In the face of rapid technological and regulatory change, ongoing training programs ensure that employees remain at the cutting edge of their field, enriching their know-how and adaptability. In addition, on-the-job learning initiatives, in synergy with established partnerships with educational institutions, provide a robust practical and theoretical framework for skills development, facilitating knowledge transfer and innovation within the industry.

Forward-looking management of jobs and skills (GPEC)

GPEC is a crucial strategy for anticipating and planning for the future. future skills needs in the aerospace sector. This approach enables the precise identification of essential skills over the medium and long term, thus ensuring a continuous match between human resources and the company's strategic objectives. Innovative GPEC methodologies, adopted by key players such as Airbus, illustrate a desire to align talent with development prospects and emerging technologies, promoting proactive and strategic skills management.

Internal mobility and talent management

Internal mobility plays a central role in developing and retaining talent within the aerospace industry. By offering opportunities for professional growth and development, companies can not only strengthen employee commitment, but also optimize the use of their skills. Advanced talent management practices, including recognition, personalized development and diversified career paths, contribute to the creation of a dynamic and stimulating working environment, where each individual can realize his or her full potential.

III. Case studies and exemplary initiatives

LISI Aerospace innovations in operational and skills management

As a pioneer in the aeronautical field, LISI AerospaceLISI Aerospace, a subsidiary of the LISI Group, is renowned for its ability to integrate advanced digital solutions for real-time monitoring of its operators' skills and training. Present in 9 countries and a key supplier of aeronautical assembly components, LISI Aerospace operates in an environment where precision and compliance with safety standards are paramount. Faced with the challenges of operational agility and talent management, the company has chosen to break with traditional methods based on ExcelMercateam's digital solution.

This transition to Mercateam has enabled LISI Aerospace to revolutionize its business. skills managementthe continuing educationand internal mobility, thus ensuring increased organizational productivity and unprecedented flexibility. Thanks to this collaboration, LISI Aerospace has been able to eliminate 23 Excel files for each group of 100 people, simplify theaudit and guarantee instant access to essential documents, optimizing absenteeism management and minimizing the risks associated with the use of high-risk machines.

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Mercateam's key functionalities, such as automatic planning, real-time skills management via a skills and clearance matrix accessible directly in the field, and an alert system for expiring clearances, have been decisive. Not only have they improved communication between the teams and the HR department, but they have also strengthened the sense of belonging and self-worth of every employee.

The implementation of this digital strategy has had a measurable positive impact on the company, resulting in a 20% increase in the versatility rate within the plant, a doubling of responsiveness and agility to meet the challenges of the health crisis, and a significant reduction in audit preparation time and training time thanks to customized workflows.

LISI Aerospace, with Mercateam's support, is demonstrating a holistic approach to skills management and professional development, essential to maintaining its leadership position in a constantly evolving aerospace sector.

Innovations in aeronautical training

The aerospace industry is investing in innovative training, such as the use of augmented and virtual reality, to simulate complex work environments and enhance practical learning. These technologies offer immersive experiences, making it easier to understand and remember specific procedures and techniques. In addition, partnerships between aerospace companies and educational institutions play a key role in the development of specialized curricula, closely aligning training programs with the sector's requirements and innovations, ensuring that future professionals are well prepared for the challenges of aerospace.

These strategies and initiatives illustrate the importance attached to skills development in the aerospace sector, a fundamental element in navigating the complex and rapidly changing industry landscape. By placing people at the heart of their strategy, companies can not only meet today's requirements but also anticipate future needs, guaranteeing their sustainability and success in the era of Industry 4.0 and beyond.

IV. Future prospects

Tomorrow's aeronautics skills

Aeronautics, a sector at the cutting edge of technology, is constantly changing, driven by technological advances and environmental imperatives. To navigate this ever-changing landscape, anticipating future skills is essential. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and sustainable device design are redefining the skills required. At the same time, the emphasis on reducing the ecological footprint requires expertise in eco-design and energy management. In this context, the agility and adaptability of professionals are becoming invaluable qualities, enabling industry players to remain competitive and innovative.

Recommendations for proactive skills management

To stay ahead of the game, effective competitive and technological intelligence is essential. This involves continuous monitoring of market trends, technological innovations and regulatory developments, so as to be able to rapidly adapt training and skills development strategies. Flexible and scalable approaches to talent management are also recommended, encouraging continuous training, professional development and internal mobility. This will enable aerospace companies to prepare for future challenges and seize opportunities arising from industry changes.

Conclusion

Visit skills management occupies a strategic position in the aeronautical sector, directly conditioning its competitiveness and ability to innovate. In an environment marked by rapid, far-reaching change, investing in skills development is more than just a necessity; it's a strategic approach that guarantees the long-term future and success of companies.

Faced with the scale of the challenges and the vast opportunities of sectoral change, a collective effort by industry players is imperative. Together, they can shape a future in which the aeronautical sector continues to fly high, supported by a skilled, adaptable workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

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How do aerospace companies develop skills?

They rely on continuous training, GPEC (Gestion Prévisionnelle des Emplois et Compétences), internal mobility and the integration of digital tools such as Mercateam, which facilitates skills mapping, planning and the development of versatility.

What are some concrete examples of the digitization of skills in the aerospace industry?

LISI Aerospace has replaced 23 Excel files with Mercateam's digital solution to track the skills and training of its operators in real time. Results: +20% of versatility, simplified audits, better management of absenteeism and significant time savings for managers.

By salome@merca.team
at Mercateam

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