DEI Rollback Stalls Aircraft Mechanic Training Amid Growing Shortage

A Reuters article published yesterday outlines how the U.S. faces a growing shortage of aircraft mechanics, with industry leaders warning of about a 10% shortfall in certified mechanics this year. The hold‐up comes because FAA workforce grants intended to train these workers are delayed: applicants have been told to reapply once grant notices are rewritten to exclude any references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), in line with executive orders issued by President Trump. 

Meanwhile, members of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) are in Washington, D.C., today — on Capitol Hill — pushing for the grants to be released. They argue that without the promised funding (including $80 million over four years approved in the 2024 FAA reauthorization), technical schools cannot begin or sustain the training programs needed to close the workforce gap. 

Read the full article here: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/trumps-dei-crackdown-further-strains-us-supply-aircraft-mechanics-industry-2025-09-17/