Denver International Airport’s focus on improving its workforce garnered accreditation by the newly formed Airport Workforce Development Accreditation program created by the Airports Council International’s North American branch.

ACI-NA is a trade group representing more than 300 airports operating in the United States and Canada and nearly 400 aviation-related businesses.

One of two large airports to achieve the ACI-NA Level 3 certification right out of the gate, DIA joins Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The Rapid City Regional Airport, Fort McMurray International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport all joined the accreditation program at Level 1.

Workforce development is a cornerstone of DIA’s Vision 100 strategic plan to serve 100 million passengers per year, airport officials said.

“A pillar of our Vision 100 strategic plan is empowering our people by building a skilled and diverse talent pipeline that’s committed to excellence,” Phil Washington, DIA CEO said in a release. “By preparing our workforce for the challenges ahead, we are paving the way for an exciting journey as we prepare to serve 100 million annual passengers. We’re honored that ACI-NA has recognized our efforts by choosing DEN to receive this first-ever accreditation.”

The accreditation program offers a multi-level framework to help airports, and their business partners address workforce challenges by enhancing skills, elevating employee engagement and strengthening workforce readiness, according to ACI-NA.

“Ensuring sustained access to a skilled, engaged, and future-ready workforce is one of the most pressing issues facing the North American airport industry today,” ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke said in the release. “Our new Airport Workforce Development Accreditation will provide airports like (DIA) and their business partners with a strategic and structured roadmap in addressing this critical challenge.”

According to ACI-NA, the “framework is designed to provide an accumulative approach to workforce development across five structured levels, each requiring increased focus as an airport or airport business partner progresses.”

• Level 1 – Building the Base: Participants establish foundational workforce practices and raise awareness about the airport’s pivotal role in the community.
• Level 2 – Nurturing Talent: Participants align internal training programs with employee development opportunities through skill-gap analysis and individual learning plans.
• Level 3 – Cultivating Connections: Participants expand community outreach and create career pathways to secure future talent pipelines.
• Level 4 – Extending Influence: Participants formalize partnerships with educational institutions and industry collaborators for comprehensive, scalable development initiatives.
• Level 5 – Shaping the Future: Participants achieve measurable improvements in workforce skills and implement sustainable, forward-looking workforce strategies that ensure long-term adaptability.