The aviation maintenance sector across North America is in a defining moment. As demand for heavy base maintenance, structural overhaul, and modification projects grows, MROs are grappling with a familiar challenge: a shortage of skilled technicians and engineers in structures, composites, and modification engineering. 

The 2025 National Aircraft Maintenance Conference and Skills Challenge, held from 13–14 November at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, brings together the industry’s leaders, engineers, and educators to address exactly that: how we strengthen the pipeline of technical talent that keeps the world flying. 

VHR is proud to sponsor this year’s event, reflecting our long-term commitment to developing and sustaining the skilled workforce our industry depends on. 

 

Building a Reputation for Quality and Reliability

For small to medium-sized MROs, reputation is everything. Airlines, leasing companies, and Tier 1 MROs rely on partners who deliver on-time, compliant, and precision-driven maintenance outcomes. 

Yet reputation isn’t built on process alone; it’s built on people. Skilled, well-trained engineers & technicians are the foundation of quality workmanship. When your team takes pride in their craft, quality becomes your signature. 

By investing in the next generation of engineers & technicians, MROs are not only ensuring consistent output but also reinforcing their standing as dependable, long-term partners within the maintenance ecosystem. 

 

Be an MRO That Engineers Want to Join, and Stay With 

The competition for engineering & technical talent is fierce. Many MROs struggle to maintain throughput due to the shortage of skilled labour in key areas like structures, composites, and modification engineering. 

Forward-thinking MROs recognise that becoming an employer of choice starts means investing in people today secures their operational success tomorrow. That comes with creating an environment that values skill development, career growth, and team recognition. Engineers & technicians are drawn to organisations that offer structured training, modern facilities, and a sense of purpose beyond the task at hand. 

Through initiatives like the National Aircraft Maintenance Conference and Skills Challenge, VHR is helping MROs engage with emerging talent early,  connecting passionate young engineers with employers who are ready to invest in their potential. 

“At VHR, we believe the foundation of reliability starts with people. By investing in and empowering the next generation of technicians & engineers, we’re not just supporting technical capability, we’re strengthening the very fabric of aviation maintenance across North America.” 
— Ryan Stewart, Business Development Manager – North America, VHR 

By developing and inspiring new talent, MROs can continue to build reputations rooted in craftsmanship, commitment, and consistency, ensuring they remain partners of choice in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

 

Investing in the Next Generation of Technical Talent 

Talent shortage remains the industry’s most pressing concern. As highlighted in our recent blog, The MRO Boom: Scale Big, Staff Fast & Win Right Now, competition for experienced engineers is fierce, and skilled individuals now have choice. 

Becoming an employer of choice means creating an environment that values skill development, purpose, and pride in craftsmanship. Engineers want to join and stay with organisations that invest in their growth, recognise their contribution, and give them meaningful work on challenging, high-impact projects. 

 

To strengthen your employer brand: 

  • Provide clear career paths with structured progression, type training, and cross-discipline opportunities. 

  • Highlight your culture and people stories across digital channels — showing real engineers behind real success. 

  • Create recognition programmes that celebrate innovation, teamwork, and technical excellence. 

  • Expand Your Reach: Collaborate with international recruitment partners and educational networks to access untapped pools of talent. 

  • Champion Industry Engagement: Sponsor or participate in skills initiatives, giving your engineers visibility and professional pride. 

  • Recruitment Partners: Partner with recruitment agencies that align in excellence, growth & reputation for employees & business growth.  

VHR’s involvement in the 2025 National Aircraft Maintenance Conference & Skills Challenge is part of that vision,  connecting MROs with emerging engineers and helping bridge the gap between training and employment. 

 

Conclusion: Shaping the Future Together 

The next generation of engineers and technicians will define the reliability, safety, and success of North American aviation for years to come. 

By investing in talent development and building reputations rooted in quality and care, MROs can secure not just short-term throughput but long-term trust and sustainability. 

At VHR, we’re proud to champion the growth of technical talent and stand alongside MROs who share our commitment to excellence. Together, we can build a stronger, more skilled, and future-ready aviation maintenance workforce.