Piedmont Airlines is committed to growing the next generation of aviation mechanics. Four graduates from Salisbury, Maryland area schools will embark on their aviation maintenance career journey this fall with 100% of their school tuition paid by Piedmont Airlines through the Tuition Payment Program. The first and only program of its kind in the industry, Piedmont is a pioneer for the future to ensure the aviation industry has skilled aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) as our airline continues to grow.
Recipients of the awards for fall 2023 are Braden Costleigh from Sussex Technical High School who will be attending Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) in Hagerstown, Maryland; Aidan Todd from Mardela High School who will be attending PIA in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Austin Ingersoll from James M. Bennett High School who will be attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and Emily White from Parkside High School who will be attending the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Norfolk, Virginia. Award recipients receive 100% paid tuition and testing fees, a fully loaded Sonic toolbox, and a guaranteed job with Piedmont in Salisbury upon completion of their Airframe and Powerplant certifications.
This past year, Piedmont recruiters presented information about the Tuition Payment Program to high schools near Piedmont’s headquarters in Salisbury and the unique opportunity to maintain commercial aircraft in their own backyard. “When trade opportunities are mentioned in high school, it is often auto mechanics, electrical and others but aviation maintenance isn’t often part of the conversation,” shares Melissa Preslar, Piedmont Recruiter. “The positive response I am receiving from the students when I share that the career opportunity exists at Piedmont’s maintenance base in Salisbury is exciting.”
Piedmont Airlines’ Tuition Payment Program is designed to secure a sustainable workforce within our local communities and help the most promising students make a smooth transition to a full-time stable career as an AMT. “We find that those who are successful as AMTs thrive on problem-solving, working with their hands or have a tinker gene,” says Melissa.
After applying and being accepted into the program, students are fully supported throughout the entire process from start to finish. Throughout school, they become acquainted with their future Piedmont colleagues and become familiar with our company culture so when they come onboard, they are more comfortable starting their new job.
Piedmont Airlines will experience significant fleet growth in the next few years and skilled AMTs are in high demand across the system. “The Tuition Payment Program is our pipeline to fuel our future,” shares Melissa. “Educating high school students plants the seed so that when the time comes to consider a career, we hope they choose to be part of our growth and join the Piedmont family.”
Applications are being accepted for the Tuition Payment Program for a limited number of AMT spots on an on-going basis. For more information on the program and how to apply, email pdtmtcrecruiting@aa.com.
