Title: Selling space: revitalising interest in aerospace technology careers

Authors: George H. Grimshaw, Dawna L. Rhoades, Michael Williams

Addresses: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Dryden Flight Research Center, P.O. Box 273, Edwards, CA 93523, USA. ' College of Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA. ' College of Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA

Abstract: The recent call by US President George W. Bush to renew the spirit of discovery and undertake an ambitious plan to explore space, including manned missions to the moon and Mars, has highlighted a significant stumbling block to progress, namely, a shortage of aerospace technicians. Historically, such technicians have come into the aerospace industry with an aviation technical background and received supplemental training from employers, but an aging workforce decimated by aerospace layoffs is failing to meet current demand and would fall far short of achieving the new vision. This paper explores the reasons for that shortage and public and private efforts to address this issue.

Keywords: aerospace technicians; airframe and powerplant; space exploration; aerospace technology; careers.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2004.004856

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.60 - 73

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article