Ontario: The Undisputed Landing Gear Capital of the World 

Did you know that 60% of the world’s large landing gear is manufactured in Ontario? This impressive statistic underscores why Ontario proudly holds the title of “Landing Gear Capital of the World.” The recent Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) event on May 15, 2025 brought together industry leaders to discuss the current state and future of this critical aerospace sector, with talent acquisition and retention emerging as a dominant theme throughout the discussions. 

The Talent Crisis: An Aging Workforce Meets Growing Demand 

The aerospace industry faces a significant workforce challenge as highlighted by several key speakers, including the President of Collins Aerospace who explicitly stated that “Workforce is a major challenge.” The specialized knowledge required in landing gear manufacturing is currently concentrated in an aging workforce approaching retirement, creating an urgent need for knowledge transfer and new talent development. 

This talent gap comes at a particularly challenging time when companies are simultaneously focused on: 

• Meeting strict on-time delivery requirements 
• Maintaining exceptional product quality 
• Finding innovative ways to drive cost savings in a competitive global market 

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry 

One of the most insightful discussions at the OAC event centered around the persistent gap between academic preparation and industry needs. Hiring managers consistently expressed a clear preference for candidates with practical experience, specifically highlighting the value of internships and co-op placements when comparing candidates with equivalent educational backgrounds. 

Industry leaders advocated for significant changes to traditional academic programs: 

1. Extended internship programs: Rather than short-term placements, companies are seeking 12-18 month internship or co-op periods that allow students to work on meaningful projects from conception to completion. 
2. Skills beyond technical knowledge: While technical expertise remains essential, employers repeatedly emphasized the importance of soft skills including: 

• Drive and initiative 
• Common sense and practical problem-solving 
• Strong communication and presentation abilities 

Building Successful Industry Partnerships 

The event also highlighted key elements for successful partnerships within the landing gear manufacturing ecosystem. Speakers emphasized that open communication and accountability when challenges arise are fundamental to maintaining strong business relationships. In an industry where precision and reliability are non-negotiable, transparency has become as important as technical capability. 

The Path Forward: Acara’s Perspective 

As talent acquisition specialists working closely with aerospace manufacturers, we at Acara Solutions recognize the unique challenges facing the landing gear sector. Our approach involves: 

1. Strategic workforce planning: Helping companies anticipate retirement waves and develop succession plans before critical knowledge is lost. 
2. Specialized recruitment: Identifying candidates with the rare combination of technical expertise and essential soft skills needed to excel in this demanding field. 
3. Educational partnerships: Facilitating connections between manufacturers and educational institutions to develop curriculum and internship programs that better prepare students for industry needs. 

The future of Ontario’s landing gear manufacturing dominance depends largely on addressing these talent challenges. With proactive approaches to workforce development and strong partnerships between industry, academia, and talent solutions providers like Acara, we can ensure that Ontario maintains its position as the global leader in landing gear manufacturing. 

Acara Solutions specializes in connecting aerospace manufacturers with skilled talent across engineering, manufacturing, and technical roles. Contact us today to discuss your specific talent needs in the landing gear manufacturing sector.