What Happened
Industry Faces Skilled Worker Shortages Amid Production Backlogs
Aerospace and defense manufacturers are facing substantial production backlogs and skilled labor shortages in specialized roles. Deloitte’s 2026 Aerospace and Defense Industry Outlook notes commercial aviation growth, driven by rising fleet utilization and passenger demand. To combat the shortage, manufacturers are turning to autonomous systems, apprenticeship expansion, and internal mobility. This shift may help manufacturers make greater use of workers who are already cleared and trained, potentially reducing the need to source new hires for every contract, as reported by Grit Daily News.