Piper Aircraft welcomed its first class of students for its accredited apprenticeship program in aircraft manufacturing skills.
Piper President and CEO, Simon Caldecott explained, “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.”
The first nine apprentices started work in August. Apprentices are paid employees—including benefits—of Piper. At the end of the two-year program, apprentices will be integrated into the regular production force. The program expects to enroll ten new apprentices next year.
The students will work side-by-side with assembly workers to learn all aspects of aircraft fabrication and assembly, as well as attend technical classes at IRSC and be qualified as Journeyman in Aircraft Assembly.
This program demonstrates a continuing positive outlook for general aviation on the part of Piper Aircraft.