Good news for new aviation engineers and other aerospace graduates — states are competing for your employment. A nationwide shortage has led to high demand for skilled aviation workers. This shortage of skilled workers is such a concern in Oklahoma that state legislators have drawn up Bill HB 3239 that would attract and retain skilled workers in target industries such as aerospace. One measure of the bill would grant a tax credit of up to $5,000 to out-of-state engineers who are hired by Oklahoma aerospace companies after Jan. 1, 2009.
The aerospace companies would also receive a tax credit of up to 10% for the compensation paid to a qualified graduate during their first five years of employment. Senate Bill 1171 also provides tax credits to new engineers who work for an Oklahoma aerospace company. Other states such as Georgia and Washington are also trying to find ways to attract and retain skilled aerospace workers.
