Students explore aviation careers at Piper Aircraft
Two Master’s Academy students recently completed a weeklong externship at Piper Aircraft, where they gained hands-on experience and firsthand exposure to aviation careers through the company’s annual externship program.
Rising seniors Alex Gerwien and Zachary Porchia spent the first week of June at Piper Aircraft’s Vero Beach headquarters, learning about aviation manufacturing, engineering, flight operations, quality assurance, safety and workforce development.
During the program, Gerwien and Porchia worked under the guidance of Harry Brubaker, Piper Aircraft’s senior production trainer. They received instruction in aircraft sheet metal assembly, including bucking and riveting techniques, as well as safety awareness, personal protective equipment, tool control, precision workmanship and teamwork.
Working with training materials in a supervised environment, the students gained a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and attention to detail required in aircraft manufacturing. The experience also connected classroom learning to real-world applications in engineering, physics, design and technology.
The students also participated in model aircraft projects, flight simulator sessions, facility tours and discussions with team members from multiple Piper departments.
A highlight of the week was time spent with a Piper M700 aircraft, which helped the students connect the manufacturing skills they were learning with a completed aircraft ready for service.
“This externship broadened my understanding of aviation far beyond the cockpit,” Porchia said. “I gained valuable knowledge in areas including avionics, engineering, final assembly, flight operations and management. More importantly, I learned how critical communication, attention to detail and teamwork are to building aircraft safely and successfully. Growing up around aviation, I always thought my future was limited to becoming a pilot. This experience showed me the variety of careers available within the industry and opened my eyes to opportunities I had never considered.”
For Gerwien, the opportunity provided a greater appreciation for the complexity and innovation behind modern aircraft. “My favorite parts of the externship included avionics, the paint shop, the flight simulator, riveting and visiting the flight line,” Gerwien said. “Seeing how aircraft systems are tested and how every stage of production comes together gave me a new perspective on aviation. From the initial metal structures to the final finished aircraft, I realized just how much expertise, coordination and technology are involved. The experience strengthened my interest in the aviation field.”
Master’s Academy Head of School Dr. Rick Brewer said the school is grateful for Piper’s continued investment in local students and workforce development. “We are deeply grateful to Piper Aircraft for once again opening its doors to our students and providing an exceptional educational experience,” Brewer said. “Partnerships like this allow students to see firsthand how classroom learning translates into meaningful careers while exposing them to the innovation, professionalism and craftsmanship that make Piper a global leader in aviation. Piper’s continued commitment to enriching our community and investing in the next generation of talent is truly appreciated.”
The externship program reflects Piper Aircraft’s commitment to developing future aviation professionals and providing local students with career exploration opportunities. Throughout the week, Gerwien and Porchia represented themselves, their families and Master’s Academy with professionalism and enthusiasm while gaining insights to support their academic and career goals.
About Master’s Academy of Vero Beach
Master’s Academy is a fully ACSI-accredited private school serving Pre-K through Grade 12 students in the Treasure Coast region of Florida. Since 1998, the school has been committed to spiritually developing and academically challenging students to impact their world for Christ. With a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum and a dedicated, caring faculty, Master’s Academy provides a Christ-centered education that equips students for success in college and beyond. (https://www.mastersvb.org/)
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