The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry designs, manufactures, and services some of the world’s most complex machinery—airplanes, spacecrafts, satellites, ships, submarines, and other electronics and equipment used in military and commercial settings.

Moving forward, many factors will contribute to the industry’s success, but chief among them is the ability to recruit and retain highly qualified workers—and quickly. Given the competitive job market, that’s no simple task.

The manufacturing and logistics industry has experienced supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and an uncertain economic environment as businesses struggle to keep pace with rising product demands. Despite these obstacles, manufacturing and logistics companies demonstrated strength in 2022 and continued to surpass the expectations from the prior two years. However, ongoing talent challenges threaten to limit the industry’s growth momentum.

Generation Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. They’ve never known a world without smartphones, social media, and the internet. Socially aware and concerned about global issues like climate change, social justice, and inequality, Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations in terms of ethnicity and cultural backgrounds.