INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Airline inked three collegiate partnership agreements for pilot development and career progression this month with Kansas State University Polytechnic, Rocky Mountain College and University of Dubuque. Republic is now partners with more than 25 schools across the United States to help students fast-track their careers as commercial airline pilots.
“Our college partnerships enable us to have a unique presence on the campuses where we recruit,” said Tonya Gilbert, Managing Director of Talent Acquisition at Republic. “Students and faculty know that we have a vested interest not only in hiring alumni but also in supporting their program and connecting them to resources within the industry.”
Republic has worked with each of the programs in the past to recruit students for aviation career opportunities, but this formal agreement allows for greater campus presence and curriculum support.
“We are very pleased to formalize the relationship and provide our graduates with a set pathway to a career at Republic Airline through the pipeline program we signed,” Rocky Mountain College Director of Aviation Dan Hargrove said. “We recognize Republic is a high-quality company, and we’re pleased they feel the same way about the job Rocky Mountain College is doing educating pilots.”
The partnerships enable flight students at collegiate aviation programs to interview with the airline before graduation. If students meet Republic’s qualifications, they receive a conditional offer of employment and will be eligible to receive a bonus of as much as $17,500 as well as direct support from Republic as they work toward achieving the flight hours or ratings to meet ATP minimum requirements.
"Republic Airline is a respected regional carrier that cultivates a supportive and success-driven atmosphere, and we're proud to partner with them to continue offering our professional pilot students valuable career options," said Verna Fitzsimmons, Kansas State Polytechnic CEO and dean.
Republic pilots train to fly the Embraer E170 and E175 aircraft, the most advanced commercial aircraft in our industry. Since the creation of its first partnership program in 2015, Republic has had more than 500 pilot cadets enter the program, many of whom have already transitioned into First Officers with Republic.
“This is a unique and invaluable opportunity for UD students, and we look forward to working closely with Republic in providing good career options for our students,” University of Dubuque Director of Aviation Programs Chaminda Prelis said.
For more information on Republic Airline Pilot Cadet Program, please visit http://www.rjet.com/en/Cadet.aspx.
About Republic Airline
Republic Airline, based in Indianapolis, Ind., operates a fleet of nearly 190 Embraer 170/175 aircraft and offers scheduled passenger service with 950 daily flights to 100 cities in 40 U.S. states, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. The airline provides fixed-fee flights operated under its major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The airline employs about 5,500 aviation professionals. Visit www.rjet.com for more information, follow the company on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, and connect on Facebook or LinkedIn.
About Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus
Kansas State University Polytechnic offers 16 undergraduate degree options, including a professional pilot bachelor’s degree. Applied discipline is emphasized, so programs encompass lab time, in-the-field education, competitions, internships and industry connections. With 35 aircraft and flight training devices, the program has one of the most diverse fleets among aviation universities and colleges. Students have the ability to fly with CFIs within two weeks of starting their first semester, and because the campus is next to Salina Regional Airport, they are provided a 12,300-foot runway – one of the longest in the country – as their training facility. Kansas State Polytechnic’s professional pilot bachelor’s degree is an approved FAA part 141 program, allowing students to complete commercial pilot training in as little as 190 hours instead of the 250 hours required at a part 61 facility. The training also gives students the ability to qualify for a restricted Airline Transport Pilot, or ATP, certificate at 1,000 hours instead of 1,500.
About Rocky Mountain College
Rocky Mountain College is a liberal arts college located in Billings, Mont. The aviation program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International and has been educating pilots and managers for all sectors of the aviation industry since 1988. For more information, http://www.rocky.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergraduate-majors/aviation/
About University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque is a private university affiliated with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offering undergraduate programs in 31 areas of study; graduate programs in communication, business administration, and physician assistant studies; and theological studies. Founded in 1852, UD is home to over 2,300 students from 43 states and 22 countries. UD is committed to excellence in academic inquiry and professional preparation; relationships that encourage intellectual, spiritual, and moral development; community where diversity is appreciated and Christian love is practiced; zeal for lifelong learning and service; and more. Visit www.dbq.edu.
