If you haven't yet decided on a particular vocation, it's time you researched the different paid blue collar jobs you can undertake in the aviation field. Look at the different course offerings that are available to you, compare the requirements, duration and costs. Before deciding on a particular training program, check with employers that there is a genuine demand for employees in this area.
The aviation industry is huge and even though there have been heavy job cuts in the industry, technicians, dispatchers, air traffic controllers and many other workers are in demand. Here are some effective ways to find paid blue collar jobs in aviation:
Newspaper Employment Ads
Many aviation positions are still advertised in newspaper employment pages. Regularly read the employment pages of your major regional newspapers to see if there are any suitable jobs being advertised. While most job ads do end up on the internet, some do not.
Online Job Sites
Aviation job boards can be a great source of the best blue collar jobs in aviation. There are many of these and you can find any of these specialist job sites by doing an internet search for them. Large, general online job sites can also be great sources of aviation jobs. They allow you to search for positions based on category, location and salary as well as providing the option for an advanced search on more specific terms. You can also request an email notification to inform you when new jobs that match your request become available. For all blue collar aviation jobs other than traffic controllers, online job sites can improve the effectiveness of your job search. Most of these sites have an online application facility which allows you to upload your resume and application letter. This is not only immediate and convenient it also saves money on printing and postage.
FAA Jobs Site for Air Traffic Controllers
Most air traffic controller jobs in the United States are FAA positions. This means that the Federal Aviation Authority is responsible for training and employing them. To discover all the requirements for being employed as an air traffic controller go to the FAA website. There is information and links related to training and a list of available air traffic controller jobs.
Contact Potential Employers
You can go directly to airline company websites and check out their vacancies for paid blue collar jobs. They will often advertise aviation jobs they are hiring for. You can also phone the human resource departments of these organizations and ask how they recruit for blue collar positions and whether any vacancies are available or expected in the near future. You can ask about the preferred training, experience and background preferred for different aviation jobs and then work towards these if necessary.
Network on the Job
If you are already employed in an aviation job and are looking for a new job in the industry, be prepared to make contacts and network within your current organization, with employees of other airline companies, with suppliers, airport staff, and customers (if appropriate). Join associations and get involved with people in your field. Many times jobs are not even advertised; they are offered to people who they know already. The best blue collar jobs in aviation are often gained this way. Your best job opportunities could well come from times you are enjoying a social get together or as a result of helping out someone.
Keep Your Resume Updated and Relevant
No longer is it okay for ‘grease monkeys' to send of a resume that is dog-eared and smudged with oil. Your resume is expected to be as professional and relevant as a white collar worker's. Make sure you keep your resume updated and saved to a hard disc as well as on your computer's hard drive. Whenever you complete new training or gain new experience, make sure you update your resume with the new information. Your application letter must clearly address all the selection criteria for the advertised position.
The internet is an excellent source of information on aviation jobs. You will find links to appropriate training courses and to specialist aviation job sites. You can also go directly to airline companies to find out if they are hiring for your position. The beauty of blue collar aviation jobs is that they are unionized and pay well. You could be earning an above average pay packet every week without having to spend four or more years studying at a university.
By gaining the necessary skills, experience and certification to obtain your desired aviation job and approaching your job search professionally and diligently, you will have an excellent chance of being offered full time employment sooner rather than later.
