INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ/NM: RJET) and Purdue University have entered into an agreement to launch an innovative new partnership that will match students from one of the nation’s top aviation programs with a career track at the world’s largest operator of Embraer aircraft – an educational first in the state of Indiana and a first for the regional airline industry.
Called the Industry–Purdue Opportunity Pipeline (iPOP), the collaborative initiative concentrates on enhancing a clear university/industry education pathway for students in Purdue’s Department of Aviation Technology and Republic employees.
“As a Purdue alum, I know firsthand the excellent education that the University provides to its students, and we look forward to embarking on this exciting new strategic relationship,” said Matt Koscal, Republic’s Vice President of Human Resources. “Republic’s vision begins with a focus on attracting the best people, and Purdue’s aviation program is among the best in the country. This partnership paves the way for more Boilermakers to join the Republic family.”
Housed within Purdue’s College of Technology, the Department of Aviation Technology has created iPOP as part of the college’s larger transformation to address the needs of industry partners, and to create career opportunities for the student population.
“This unique program will help shape the aviation professional of the future, while creating a steady employment pipeline for students from Purdue University to Republic,” said John Wensveen, head of the Department of Aviation Technology at Purdue.
Purdue students’ curriculum will be enriched by participating in real world scenarios and work projects with Republic. Additionally, Republic will partner with Purdue to development curriculum for ASCEND, the Company’s internal Leadership Development Program launched earlier this year. Upon graduation, iPOP participants will receive a guaranteed employment interview with Republic for positions such as pilots, engineers, mechanics and other corporate functions.
“This trend-setting model for educating and training aviation professionals will help us in our efforts to forge a new path in technology education,” said Gary Bertoline, Dean of the College. “The research connections and real-life experiences iPOP will create will greatly enhance the aviation career pipeline, from practical student learning to academic research to industry innovation.”
Through a team composed of Purdue students, faculty and staff, and Republic employees, iPOP will:
• Best prepare Purdue’s aviation students for future leadership positions upon graduation;
• Build on the industry-leading research capabilities of Purdue and Republic in the collective development of new technology and its integration into practical aviation operations; and
• Offer career-related continuing education opportunities for Republic employees, positioning the Company to grow its economic presence in central Indiana.
The iPOP program is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2015.
About Republic Airways Holdings Inc.: The Indianapolis-based company owns Republic Airlines, Shuttle America and Chautauqua Airlines and operates a combined fleet of about 240 aircraft and offers scheduled passenger service with about 1,300 flights daily to about 100 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express and US Airways Express. The Company employs about 6,500 aviation professionals and is the world’s largest operator of Embraer aircraft. For more about Republic Airways, visit www.rjet.com.
About Purdue University: Purdue University is a vast laboratory for discovery. The university is known not only for science, technology, engineering, and math programs, but also for its imagination, ingenuity and innovation. It’s a place where those who seek an education can make their ideas real — especially when those transformative discoveries lead to scientific, technological, social, or humanitarian impact. Founded in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, the university proudly serves its state as well as the nation and the world. Academically, Purdue’s role as a major research institution is supported by top-ranking disciplines in pharmacy, business, engineering, and agriculture. More than 39,000 students are enrolled. All 50 states and 130 countries are represented. Add about 950 student organizations and Big Ten Boilermaker athletics, and you get a college atmosphere that’s without rival.
