INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE NEWS
IRSC AND PIPER AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIP TAKES
FLIGHT WITH NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
PIPER AIRCRAFT PHOTOS
Students are taking advantage of the apprenticeship program at Piper Aircraft. From left, Thomas Boor, Emily Fritzler, Jonathan McClain, Ervin Nixon, Harry
Brubaker, Piper apprenticeship program instructor, George Gonzalez, Aaron Dixon, Ryan Crook, Christopher Burnette, Conner Kroll.
TCBusiness.com 19
Apprenticeship programs help businesses
develop highly-skilled employees,
which reduces turnover rates, increases
productivity and lowers the cost
of recruitment. In response to increased
demand for high-quality manufacturing
employees, and in cooperation with
Indian River State College, Piper Aircraft
Inc. in Vero Beach has launched an accredited
apprenticeship program.
“In partnership, IRSC and Piper are
able to train and develop stronger
leaders for the Piper workforce,” said 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 first class of the two-year apprenticeship
program began in August
2019 with an initial cohort of nine
participants and will grow to 20 active
apprentices by year two. Participants
engage in on-the-job training delivered
by Piper subject matter experts, and
IRSC delivers classroom instruction.
Specific coursework begins with participants
engaging in certified production
technician training provided by the
Corporate & Community Training Institute
at IRSC. The CPT training offers the
participants the opportunity to earn a >>
BY ROBERT LANE
/TCBusiness.com
