The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) has released a new industry guidebook. The ACT Workforce Development Guidebook, developed in partnership with architectural planning and engineering firm Mead & Hunt, Inc., provides airports with practical strategies to build a future-ready workforce. The guide draws from interviews with Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) members with advice on recruitment, development, retention and future planning supported by case studies, best practices, and measurable performance metrics. Topics covered include: institutionalizing workforce development; expanding early talent and community outreach pipelines; leveraging funding partnerships for future workforce and technological infrastructure needs; and strengthening collaboration across the aviation system.
“The ACT Workforce Development Guidebook is a critical resource for airports working to strengthen and modernize the aviation talent pipeline,” said Courtney Johnson, director of airports for the County of San Luis Obispo. “It offers practical strategies rooted in real airport experiences and highlights the power of community partnerships in building the workforce of the future. Airports of every size can benefit from the tools and insights in this guide.”
“The aviation industry is a hidden gem in the professional world,” added Anita Cobb, market leader of aviation equity strategies at Mead & Hunt. “And we are learning that the same concept for airports applies to the workforce — when you’ve seen one employee, you’ve seen one employee. The ACT Workforce Development Guidebook is a first step in understanding how airports can meet people where they are while creating a workforce that is engaged, retained, and responsive.”
