IRSC and Piper Aircraft Partner to Launch New Apprenticeship Program
IRSC and Piper Aircraft Partner to Launch New Apprenticeship Program
November 30, 2018 Robert Lane
In response to increasing demand for high quality manufacturing employees, and in cooperation with Indian River State College (IRSC), Piper Aircraft, Inc. has launched an accredited apprenticeship program. The announcement was made on Friday, October 12, at Piper Aircraft headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida.
“In partnership, IRSC and Piper are able to train and develop stronger leaders for the Piper workforce,” shares Dr. Edwin Massey, IRSC President. “Piper provides apprenticeship program participants with hands-on skills, involvement in Piper’s culture, and firsthand experience in Piper’s manufacturing process. IRSC can distinguish and further advance apprentice talent as they earn industry credentials and move towards a degree.”
The two-year apprenticeship program will commence summer of 2019 with an initial cohort of 10 participants, and grow to 20 active apprentices by year two. Participants will engage in on-the-job training delivered by Piper subject matter experts and classroom instruction, which will be delivered by Indian River State College. Each apprentice will be a paid employee of Piper Aircraft and receive a full benefits package. At the program’s conclusion, each successful apprentice will qualify as a Journeyman in Aircraft Assembly.
“Piper’s continued growth in aircraft sales and order backlog has resulted in demand for well-trained, high potential employees. This program will provide the necessary training, mentoring and support enabling apprentices to successfully pursue a long-term career with growth opportunity as a Piper employee,” states President and CEO, Simon Caldecott. “An apprentice program will help ensure that Piper has a strong and agile workforce for the years to come.”
A premier institution for higher education, Indian River State College is a key partner in the continuing development of Florida’s Treasure Coast region. The new Piper Aircraft Apprenticeship Program exemplifies the commitment that IRSC has to regional workforce development. The College routinely collaborates with economic development stakeholders and leaders like Piper Aircraft to implement bold initiatives that grow a highly skilled workforce and furthers quality of life and economic development on Treasure Coast. Additionally IRSC is endeavors to take trades and manufacturing in the region to the next level with the planned Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center and continues to address the “Skills Gap” with new opportunities in aviation and marine training.
