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Grob Aerospace’s recruitment drive to appoint 60 new engineers
June 30, 2008 - At ILA 2008, Grob Aerospace not only promoted its aircraft but also its business and its attractiveness as an employer.
June 30, 2008 By Carey Fredericks
June 30, 2008 – All across the industry companies are facing a skills issue – a “people challenge”. At ILA 2008 Grob Aerospace not only promoted its aircraft but also its business and its attractiveness as an employer. The company has decided to actively face the industry-wide shortage of skilled engineering resources by focussing on a recruitment drive in the months to come. Grob Aerospace has set itself the task to appoint 60 new engineers within the next three to six months.
The company’s priority is to recruit engineers and technicians to be based and Grob’s main engineering and production facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany and at its new facility in St. Gallen, Altenhrein, Switzerland, where it will undergo completions of the spn light jet.
A number of these new jobs will be offered to ab initio and trainee engineers who will work alongside fully qualified and experienced engineers mentoring them. Grob Aerospace is committing to provide inhouse training for the youngsters, working in co-operation with several Universities in Germany for the theory training. “This is a significant and important investment for us right now,” said Dr. Andreas Strohmayer, who is leading the initiative from Mattsies.
Grob Aerospace recently participated at the Careers Centre in Berlin coinciding with the international ILA Show. Alongside high profile aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, EADS and Lufthansa, Grob Aerospace conducted informal interviews with prospective engineering candidates. “The calibre of engineering trainees and graduates was remarkably high. At the fair and through one to one meetings, we also met with several experienced engineers who are looking for a new challenge. We fixed a number of formal interviews, so this is a very promising start for us,” added Dr. Strohmayer.
“Our goal is to encourage more young people to follow a career in engineering and we will be making a long term commitment through new mentor and University programs,” said Niall Olver, CEO, Grob Aerospace. “If we and others in the sector cannot succeed in attracting and creating new engineering talent, then sadly aviation engineers will become an endangered species,” he warned.
About the spn
The spn boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and one pilot, the aircraft can fly non-stop 1,800 nm (3,334 km / 2,071 mi). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m“) – by far the largest among light business jet, as well as a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight, it can operate out of fields traditionally the domain of a turboprop; even out of unimproved runways.
The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft in its class. Honeywell’s integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust.
Grob Aerospace – 37 Years of Aviation History
Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents.
The company is headquartered in Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. In 2007 Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned US subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North American customers. Grob Aerospace‘s central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with several regional sales offices throughout the USA.
In February 2008 Grob Aerospace has formed a strategic alliance with Bombardier Aerospace. Grob Aerospace will develop the all-composite structure of its new Learjet 85 aircraft and also build the first three prototype aircraft for the program.
In May 2008, Grob Aerospace announced its new trainings and completions facility at St. Gallen-Altenrhein, Switzerland.
