Pulling out all stops to retain key personnel

A survey by Ficci last week warned that shortage of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers has emerged as a critical factor impacting the competitiveness of Indian industry. On the one hand, industry needs skilled workers to perform various functions on the shopfloor, on the other hand, it requires world-class professionals to lead these companies. The survey identified 20 key sectors that needed immediate attention to stem the movement of people. Another recent survey by Assocham put attrition rates at over 20% with the services sector bearing the maximum brunt even as employees in the manufacturing sector were also found to be restive. Employees in the age group of 26-30 years with 2-4 years of experience were the most vulnerable to jump jobs.
In the aviation sector, entry of low-cost carriers has meant demand for pilots, airhostesses, ground personnel hitting the roof. The sector is supposed to see a demand-supply stabilisation by 2012 by when enough people would have opted for these professions. “The demand for ATR turboprop pilots is higher while there are more jet pilots available,” says Ruby Arya, vice-president, HR, Kingfisher Airlines. Again, coming to air hostesses, while high salaries and the glamour of the job draw hundreds, a high percentage drop out once they realise the rigours of the profession.
Skill shortage in aviation
• India would need 5400 pilots by the end of the 11th Plan. Thereafter, there would be requirement of at least 150 pilots per year as replacements for retirements and normal attrition.
• India would need approximately 1150 controllers and an additional 1000 new personnel between 2005 and 2015 to keep up with the increasing number of flights and new airports.
15/07/07 Banasree Purkayastha/Financial Express