MRO industry staffing specialist Launch Technical Workforce Solutions is rolling out a new online platform aimed at simplifying the process of matching technicians with open contract positions.
According to Launch CEO Mike Guagenti, the eLaunchNow platform’s functionality could be compared to rideshare platform Uber, which matches contract drivers with users looking for rides. In this case, the platform will connect technicians with open job orders at aviation maintenance and manufacturing companies.
“It does that by using advanced technology to identify training records, skillsets and experiences. The profile of the candidate tends to be more robust than a resume. It matches those candidates to orders that we would post on the back end,” explains Guagenti. “The beauty of it is the candidate can control their availability and schedule, so they can match when they become available to assignments that overlay from a timing standpoint and a skills standpoint.”
The backbone of eLaunchNow is StaffNow, a digital platform used by European MROs such as Lufthansa Technik to automate job offers and onboarding for contract technicians. In November 2022, StaffNow Co-CEO Mariya Vinzenz told Aviation Week the company planned to expand services in the U.S. this year by partnering with Launch. The companies first signed a memorandum of understanding, followed by a formal agreement to partner on roll-out of the technology to the U.S. market.
Guagenti says Launch first discovered the platform around two years ago while working with a client in Puerto Rico. “We were impressed by its capabilities and learned of its extensive use throughout Europe,” he says.
Although Launch, like many other staffing companies, already uses some digital tools to simplify the flow of its recruitment resources, Guagenti says the previous process still requires manual labor. Recruiters need to actively promote jobs and reach out to candidates, and candidates must identify job opportunities that fit their skill sets and apply.
“By digitalizing the Launch database of mechanics, we’ll use technology to match candidates directly with our clients and greatly reduce the time to hire,” says Guagenti. “No more endless resume submissions, document reviews and requests for feedback. We are creating an advanced process offering more transparency and control to both our contract technicians and our clients.”
StaffNow has given Launch an exclusive license for the platform, which is still in final stages of development. Guagenti says the platform is being customized for the U.S. market, which requires some change to accommodate differences between certifications by the FAA and EASA. For instance, he notes that training and certification in Europe is based on qualifications for a specific aircraft or engine platform, whereas certificated A&P mechanics in the U.S. are trained to interpret manuals and drawings, with general familiarization training used to supplement for specific platforms. The platform also needs adjustments to comply with U.S. labor, compliance and privacy requirements.
Launch is beta testing eLaunchNow with select clients and contractors, with plans to officially unveil the platform later this year. The platform will be cloud-based, and Launch is evaluating what the pricing model will entail during the beta testing phase.
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