Making an Impact in our Communities: Now and for our future

Establishing and nurturing relationships with organizations and businesses in communities where Piedmont team members live and work shows we care about the community and strengthens our reputation as a trusted employer of choice.  Whether partnering with trade schools to provide talent pipeline programs, sponsoring cultural events or team member volunteerism, Piedmont takes pride in being a valued community partner.

For over 60 years, Piedmont has grown their presence nationwide where more than 10,000 team members live and work. A strong presence in the local community is essential for job seekers and community members to know who we are, what opportunities we offer and why we are a desirable workplace.

Within the next five years, Piedmont plans to double their fleet size which creates the need to hire additional team members to support the growth. To increase awareness of career opportunities for future team members, Piedmont’s Recruiting team is cultivating aviation career interest with high school students by attending career fairs. “Many high school students aren’t aware of what aviation opportunities exist within the industry beyond the familiar pilot and flight attendant jobs,” shares Melissa Preslar, Piedmont Recruiter. “Other trades like automotive maintenance, carpentry and welding are shared as career options but not aviation maintenance, for example. Learning about a career option in aviation maintenance is something that students are interested to learn more about.”

To create and foster our own a talent pipelines, Piedmont is on the innovative forefront of several workforce initiatives, launching a one-of-a-kind Tuition Payment Program for aspiring aircraft maintenance technicians that provides a tuition-free education at one of our partner schools and a guaranteed job with Piedmont upon earning their Airframe and Powerplant certifications. The Tuition Payment Program has placed nearly 100 students since its inception and the pipeline program has been successful by providing career opportunities in communities where Piedmont’s maintenance bases are located.  Maryland Governor Wes Moore visited Piedmont’s Salisbury, Maryland base on his 100^th day in office to meet program graduates and learn how the program benefits our local communities and the State of Maryland.

In addition to the Tuition Payment Program, Piedmont has fostered relationships with trade schools, technical colleges, and other colleges and universities including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) and institutions that represent underrepresented communities. To make an impact and provide resources at some of our partner schools, Piedmont has donated seven retired deHavilland Dash-8 engines to maintenance programs along the East Coast, including the University of the District of Columbia Community College in Washington D.C., one of the few HBCUs in the nation with an FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant program. These donations provide students with valuable hands-on experience in engine maintenance and repair, showcasing the pathway to a successful aviation maintenance career. Our most recent engine donation was delivered to Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance, a school that provides support to veterans getting ready to enter civilian life.

To support our Flight Operations team, Piedmont launched a Dispatcher Trainee Program partnering with Jeppeson Academy to conduct a Dispatch certification course at our Operations Control Center location in Salisbury, Maryland. Piedmont covers the cost for the six-week training, dispatch certificate testing and provides on-the-job training. Once a dispatch certificate is achieved, trainees will become full-time Piedmont dispatchers at no cost. Trainees are guaranteed a full-time dispatcher position, once they receive their dispatch certification.

Our community, both internally and externally make up who we are as an organization. We take pride in all that we do, especially in cities where we have a physical presence. Piedmont takes pride in sponsoring cultural events and festivals like the Wicomico County Fair held in Salisbury, Maryland, home to Piedmont’s headquarters. “It’s important for Piedmont to have a significant presence at one of our hometown’s largest events,” shares Teri Klaverweiden, Manager of Talent Acquisition. “We want members of our community to know that they can work locally for a national company and build their future here in their own backyard with Piedmont. Having a visible presence where our employees live and work shows we are proud to be part of the community.”

Across the country, Piedmont sponsors events that are meaningful to our team members like Pride Festivals, Juneteenth Festivals, Runway 5K races and more. “Sponsoring community events creates ripples of unity, fostering lasting connections and a tapestry of shared memories that enrich our collective company culture,” shares Matthew French, Piedmont Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager.

Every year Piedmont team members donate their time and talent to a variety of efforts that are touching and changing lives. Volunteers have built wheelchair ramps for disabled seniors who can remain in their homes, sorted donated food to feed our hungry neighbors and collected gently used coats to warm our homeless community. Through the Do Crew volunteer program, team members team up to be a visible force in our communities to let good take flight.

Are you looking for more than just a job? At Piedmont, we’re not just a company; we’re a family committed to your success and the well-being of our communities. Join Piedmont, where your career flourishes, and our communities thrive together. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Apply now and let’s build a brighter future, together!