Aero Norway, CFM56 engine MRO celebrates International Women’s Day. Siv Janne Aarrestad, HR & HSE Manager, discusses diversity and explains how Aero Norway encourages young women to flourish as they pursue a career in aircraft engine maintenance engineering.
Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Having diversity in the workplace is important to Aero Norway because we believe that a mix of people fosters better team dynamics, promotes creativity, encourages innovative thinking, and ensures a better a perspective when solving problems. Diversity at Aero Norway means we employ the best qualified person, irrespective of background, and we see that this leads to a better working environment for everyone.
Our society is constantly developing. Increased immigration, demographic changes and competitive pressures lead to a more complex global society. Successful businesses capitalise on the wealth of resources generated within a composite group.
What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career in aviation maintenance or similar aircraft engineering roles?
I would give the same advice irrespective of gender – pursue the career that makes you happy. That saying, I definitely encourage young women to pursue a career within aviation maintenance or aviation engineering because the aviation industry is a dynamic and exciting world.
In our desire to contribute to a sustainable aviation industry Aero Norway is identifying new and smart ways of working. To be able to do this effectively, we need a diverse workforce, able to come up with new ideas. By that we mean diversity within gender, age, background, and culture.
Other advice I would give women is not to worry that an industry or workplace might seem to be male dominated. Be confident in yourself and your competence and what you can contribute.
At Aero Norway in particular, what actions are taken to promote the inclusion of women in the business?
Aero Norway has set a strategic goal to increase the number of women at all management levels in our company. Remuneration is based on experience and competence, and we actively encourage women to apply when we are recruiting.
What career options can be pursued after an apprenticeship in engine maintenance?
Our current CEO started as an engine mechanic which demonstrates that you can start as an engine maintenance apprentice at Aero Norway and work your way up to the top. Not everyone will become a CEO of course, but the are many other career opportunities after completing 2-year apprentice period.
We have a focus on internal mobility and various career opportunities in our company. It is important to us that our employees develop their potential and enjoy what they do.