Because of its rich history, Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World, but don’t think that Wichita’s strong connection to aerospace is entirely in the past. Today, the city still has a bustling aerospace sector, providing plenty of rewarding career opportunities.
As we emerge from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundamentals of Wichita’s aerospace sector are strong. Significant demand is coming from the commercial aviation sector, and demand from the military sector has been much stronger than expected. Manufacturers are fighting to keep pace with demand. Currently, local aerospace employers need aviation professionals, with many aviation jobs in Wichita opening up regularly.
As a top aviation recruitment agency in Wichita, we regularly coach aspiring professionals on the aviation skills needed to succeed in this exciting industry. The following is an in-depth guide on the skills and certifications needed to thrive in the Wichita job market.
Essential Skills for Aviation Professionals
Aviation professionals developed their skills through formal education, apprenticeships, work experience and professional certification courses. The technical skills that they acquire are considered a minimum expectation by employers. Companies also expect the people they hire to have valuable experience and well-developed soft skills — like problem-solving and communication abilities.
Technical Skills
The aviation industry is highly technical, and aviation professionals must have a strong understanding of aviation systems. Many aviation professionals specialize in specific areas that require specialized technical knowledge. For example, avionics professionals are expected to have a deep technical understanding of the electronics systems in an aircraft.
Technical skills are typically acquired through formal education. Most aviation professionals gain foundational technical skills by taking classes and earning a degree. After graduating and working in their field, many professionals will add to their technical skill set by taking additional courses or earning certifications.
Soft Skills
While technical skills are essential to handling core job functions, interpersonal soft skills are essential to truly thriving as an aviation professional. In particular, people who want to succeed in aviation should have strong problem-solving and communication skills. They should also pay strong attention to detail.
Technological Proficiency
Most aviation professionals must have strong backgrounds in math and physics. An engineering background is also necessary for many positions. As for specific technological proficiencies, a few key areas are more geared toward the engineering side of the industry. These proficiencies include the following:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software. CAD software programs like AutoCAD or SolidWorks are industry standards and many aviation positions require some CAD knowledge.
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems. Positions that involve precision machining require proficiency in CAM systems.
- 3D modeling. Modern engineering positions require proficiency in 3D modeling to develop assemblies and aircraft parts.
- Tolerance analysis. Aviation professionals must often perform tolerance analyses to ensure parts meet certain standards.
- Computer programming. Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and other languages is necessary for positions that involve simulations and data analysis.
These are just a few general technological proficiencies expected in the aviation industry. Many positions are highly specialized, and so are the proficiencies expected of these positions.
Key Certifications for Aviation Professionals
In almost every industry, professional certifications affirm that someone has acquired a particular knowledge base or set of technical skills related to a specific subject. The aviation industry has certifications for engineers, managers, electronics technicians, aviation technicians, and more.
Some aviation jobs require professional certifications because of their highly technical nature and the need to maintain high standards. Aviation professionals also earn certifications as part of their career development. Advanced certifications can help someone advance in the industry and reach their career potential. Some top certifications in the aviation industry include:
- Certified aerospace technician core. This entry-level certification indicates a grasp of fundamental aerospace knowledge, including aviation electronics, performance tests, aerospace materials, applied mechanics, key processes and aviation safety. The certification ends with a written exam. If candidates score less than 70 percent in one or two subject matter areas, they must also pass an oral exam. If a candidate scores less than 70 percent in more than two areas, they must retake the written exam.
- Aircraft electronics technician (AET). Offered by the ASTM’s National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), the AET certification covers topics related to advanced work as an aerospace technician, including equipment maintenance, aviation electronics, and aircraft fundamentals.
- Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. Available to prospective candidates who have completed the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) training course, graduated from an FAA-approved school, or gained at least 18 months of experience as an aviation mechanic, this certification indicates the holder has the skills and knowledge needed to maintain, inspect and repair a specific type of aircraft as indicated by the certification. Candidates will specialize in the type of aircraft — such as a helicopter or commercial jet — and the type of aviation system—such as electronics or hydraulics.
- Certified aviation manager (CAM). Offered by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), this certification covers five main topics, including operations, leadership techniques, personnel management and facilities and technical services. A CAM certification indicates that the holder has the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in aviation management.
These are just a few of the key certifications for aviation professionals. Aviation recruitment agencies can provide valuable guidance and advice if you’re considering pursuing one of these certifications.
How Aviation Recruitment Agencies Assist Job Seekers in Wichita
Aviation recruitment agencies in Wichita can assist aviation professionals, from landing coveted aviation jobs in Wichita to offering career advice. Because these agencies specialize in aviation, they deeply understand the industry and its positions. They know the job requirements for various positions and how people can chart a path to career success.
Consider the following ways aviation recruitment agencies help local job seekers succeed in this industry.
Provide Access to Top Aviation Jobs in Wichita
Aviation recruiters in Wichita have connections to employers throughout the local aviation industry. When you work with these recruiters, it gets you that critical foot in the door important to landing a top job. Also, recruiters get tipped to job openings that are not advertised publicly because employers exclusively use agencies to fill these positions. Working with a recruiter gives you access to this “hidden” job market.
Job Recruiters Help Candidates Create Strong Resumes Tailored to Aviation Roles
Whenever you apply for a job, you should customize your resume to match the job description. Even then, knowing what a hiring manager wants to see on your resume can be difficult. Aviation recruiters can help you tailor your resume to a specific job opening, ensuring it’s optimized for the hiring manager.
Assist with Interview Preparation
Job interviews are the most difficult parts of any application process. An aviation recruitment agency in Wichita can help you prepare for job interviews and coach you on what specific hiring managers want to hear from candidates. Recruiters can stage practice interviews to ensure you’re well-prepared for the interview.
Ensure a Good Match According to Skills and Certifications
Sometimes, it’s hard to know if you are properly qualified for the position, overqualified, or underqualified. Recruiters can match you to aviation jobs in Wichita that are the ideal fit for your skills and certifications.
Recruiters can also help with cultural fit. If you’ve ever found yourself in a toxic work culture, you know it can turn your dream job into a nightmare scenario. Local job recruiters deeply understand local aviation companies, and they can help you avoid a bad culture fit.
Recruitment Agencies Provide Valuable Career Advice
Aviation recruiters can provide a wealth of knowledge on the local industry and how to succeed in it. They also keep their finger on the latest trends and can advise you on taking advantage of the most recent developments in Wichita aviation.
Offer Access to Temporary and Contract Work
While many job seekers seek full-time employment, some want temporary and contract work because it suits their current situation. Wichita aviation recruiters should be your first stop when looking for temporary and contract work because they offer exclusive access.
Ongoing Support
Whether after a job interview or after the end of a contract work assignment, aviation recruiters continue to provide ongoing support because when you succeed, they succeed.
Interested in Exploring a Career in Aviation? Partner with the Best Aviation Recruitment Agency in Wichita: Top Notch Personnel
At Top Notch Personnel, we’re focused on helping aviation professionals find success in the local aviation sector. If you want to learn about this exciting industry’s many opportunities, please visit our job board today!