The demand for skilled labor in aerospace and defense is set to intensify as new technologies like autonomous systems and hypersonic vehicles mature. From my experience, this isn't just about filling seats—it's about evolving skill sets. We're seeing a gap in engineers who can blend traditional aerospace expertise with software and AI knowledge. To address this, I've been involved in partnerships with technical universities to develop hybrid curricula that focus on both hardware and coding skills. Internally, we're also investing in cross-training programs, encouraging experienced engineers to mentor younger talent on emerging tech. This dual approach helps mitigate immediate shortages while building a future-ready workforce. Without proactively upskilling and creating flexible career paths, the industry risks stalling innovation due to talent constraints.