2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Lack of awareness of aviation careers among younger generations and the continued male dominance of the aviation and aerospace industries have contributed to a complex workforce shortage. The lack of female representation at top decision-making positions (e.g. C-suite holders), creates a dearth of role models for younger women interested in aviation and aerospace professions, which may discourage them from pursuing careers in this field. By revitalizing interest in aviation among the younger generation and embracing diversity, the aviation industry can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Contemporary research suggests that early exposure to aviation and aerospace careers is key to attracting young women to aviation and aerospace opportunities.

This study focuses on the different motivational factors that influence youth to pursue aviation technology related careers. Specifically, the researchers focus on the differences between women and men. The aim of the study is to gain insight into what attracts women to careers in aviation. Understanding these differences is important as aviation is a male dominated industry and there is ongoing advocacy to increase participation of women in aviation industry. Previous studies have focused on professional female pilots. In addition to pilots, this study will include students pursuing careers in aviation maintenance, management, and unmanned aircraft systems. Study participants are undergraduate students currently enrolled in one of the largest aviation technology programs in the country. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on workforce diversity in aviation and aerospace education and approaches to improve the pipeline for the aviation and aerospace sector workforce.

Several themes were identified through thematic analyses. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into developing effective recruitment strategies to enhance diversity in aviation and aerospace collegiate programs. Moreover, understanding the choices of college students will broaden and strengthen the pipeline of graduates, thereby contributing positively to the challenge of developing a diverse and robust industry workforce.