Liberty University joins Piedmont Airlines’ tuition payment program for aircraft maintenance technicians

As part of a continuing relationship with Piedmont Airlines, Liberty University School of Aeronautics has been invited to participate in a new, limited-rollout tuition payment program for select students in the 12-month Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program (AMTP).

Piedmont is offering the tuition program for the first time as a beta test for the company this fall. Liberty is among a small group of schools chosen for participation. A limited number of students will receive a conditional offer of employment with Piedmont Airlines and full payment of tuition and fees as they work toward their AMT certificate. Spots are limited and interested students must apply by Aug. 13.

Skilled aircraft technicians are in high demand as the aviation industry recovers from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and as an older workforce begins to retire. According to a recent report from Boeing, over 739,000 new aviation technicians will be in need worldwide by 2039.

Liberty and Piedmont Airlines are working to meet that need by making quality training possible for students who are a seeking a rewarding career in aviation.

“We are delighted to be able to participate in Piedmont Airlines’ groundbreaking program,” said School of Aeronautics Dean Rick Roof. “We have enjoyed a special, longstanding partnership with Piedmont Airlines with many of our graduates currently serving as Piedmont employees. Their new tuition payment program offers Liberty students the resources to fulfill their potential, becoming Champions and difference makers in an industry that is in desperate need. We are grateful for our innovative partnership with Piedmont Airlines and look forward to collaborating to serve our Liberty University students while addressing Piedmont’s needs for exceptional maintenance technicians, pilots, and support personnel of character.”

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Liberty University students through the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Tuition Payment Program,” said Jess Weney, Senior Maintenance Recruiter for Piedmont Airlines. “This partnership is a win-win, providing Liberty students with a stable career as an AMT after graduation while creating a talent pipeline for Piedmont well into the future.”

Jackie Jennings, Vice President of People and Communications at Piedmont, added, “Students will gain valuable hands-on experience and the educational foundation they need to become aircraft technicians at no cost, while allowing Piedmont the opportunity to work with students in the local communities we serve.”

An open house will be held at Piedmont Airlines’ Roanoke maintenance facility from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 11 and 12, where guests can learn more about the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Tuition Payment Program and how it can help make this career a reality in as little as 12 months.

Piedmont Airlines is a premier regional carrier of American Airlines and operates nearly 400 daily departures to over 50 destinations, from regional markets throughout the East Coast into American Airlines’ hubs and focus cities. In December 2019, Piedmont supported LU’s AMTP students by donating 33 toolboxes valued at $165,000. Piedmont has also supported Liberty aviation students through hiring agreements.

Liberty’s 12-month AMTP is a residential certificate program that prepares students to test for FAA Mechanic certification with both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings. Sessions begin in August, January, and May. The program has been experiencing steady growth as industry demands increase and has expanded the capacity to train an additional 25 students per year this fall.

Liberty also offers a residential AA in Aviation Maintenance Technology and a residential Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance, with cognates in management and unmanned aerial systems. Many students are also taking advantage of Liberty’s online B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Management, which is designed for people who may already have FAA mechanic certification with A&P ratings or are completing their certification at an FAA-approved maintenance school in their area. The online degree prepares students to become leaders in the industry by highlighting aviation technologies, safety programs, and aviation management.