Universities support ICAO plan for next-generation workforce

Thirty-four universities delivering aviation programs have agreed to help develop ICAO's new Global Aviation Education Plan (GAEP) following a two-day workshop at Madrid's Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria Aeronautica y del Espacio (ETSIAE).

The workshop marked the first consultation phase of GAEP, which is intended to align academic programs with aviation industry needs. This alignment will be crucial as the industry continues to evolve and grow while striving to achieve ICAO's zero fatalities and net zero emissions goals.

Representatives from academic institutions from every world region reviewed ICAO's proposed framework and provided initial input on its structure and objectives.

Following opening addresses, participants engaged in focused working sessions that enabled universities to share current practices and challenges in aviation education. The academic representatives provided input on approaches to:
- establishing international education benchmarks
- validating both academic institutions and aviation programs
- providing technical assistance to help institutions meet global standards
- attracting more young people to aviation and promoting early career awareness
- strengthening industry-academia partnerships and expanding hands-on training to enhance employability
- facilitating career mobility through the mutual recognition of qualifications.

ICAO will next consult with aviation industry representatives and training centres to gather their perspectives on further refining the plan. This input will inform the development of detailed recommendations within the GAEP.

(article source: International Civil Aviation Organization / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)