Shaping the Future of Aviation Talent: Piedmont Earns 2026 Handshake Award
Piedmont Airlines is proud to be named a 2026 Handshake Early Talent Award winner, a recognition that highlights the company’s commitment to innovative digital recruitment and meaningful engagement with the next generation of talent. This award places Piedmont among leading employers shaping the future of early career hiring and aviation careers.
At Piedmont, investing in early talent is more than a strategy; it’s a long-term commitment. By creating pathways for students and recent graduates to explore careers in aviation, Piedmont continues to build a strong and diverse pipeline of future professionals. Through internships, campus partnerships, and hands-on experiences, Piedmont empowers Gen Z talent to launch meaningful, lasting careers in the airline industry. This award reflects the dedication of teams across the organization who work every day to open doors, foster development, and elevate the next generation of aviation professionals.
For Bettina Michael, Talent Acquisition and Compliance Analyst, the award reinforces Piedmont’s intentional investment in early talent. “It establishes us as a company that is invested in early talent and focused on strengthening our pipeline,” she shared. “We are intentional about developing the next generation entering the workforce, and this recognition shows those efforts are working.”
On May 21, Handshake presented Piedmont’s recruitment team with the official Early Talent Award in Charlotte, North Carolina. Based on platform insights, this recognition reflects a consistent focus on engagement, education, and brand presence among early talent audiences. “Piedmont places value on building a strong student-focused brand,” shared Cody, Senior Enterprise Account Manager at Handshake. “By consistently engaging with students through messaging and social content on the platform, Piedmont has created meaningful connections. This strengthens Piedmont’s position in the brand resilience pillar, leading to greater recognition and a stronger early talent program.”
Piedmont’s commitment to educating students on all the opportunities within the airline was also highlighted. “Piedmont does an excellent job helping students understand there are several career paths within the airline,” said Buddy, Senior Enterprise Customer Success Manager at Handshake. “From corporate to operational roles, they bring visibility to opportunities students may not have considered.”
Piedmont’s use of Gen Z-focused content and targeted social campaigns on Handshake further sets the company apart. “Piedmont is shaping how students view long-term career opportunities,” Buddy added. “They show a clear path to growth. Whether starting in ground handling or through an internship, students can see how to build a lasting career, supported by opportunities for career advancement within the company.”
Ultimately, this recognition reflects Piedmont’s continued investment in building the future of aviation, one connection, one opportunity, and one career at a time.