Approximately 25% of Duncan Aviation’s current workforce has served, or is currently serving, in a branch of the US military.
Duncan Aviation was recently recognized as a Silver-level employer for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Strategy Specialist David Dunckel says, “With 355 employers and organizations in the program, Duncan Aviation is one of just 30 Silver-level employers in the state. Only 8% of all certified employers have achieved Silver status.”
The Department of Defense SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. The program helps them bridge the gap between their end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers.
The SkillBridge program allows service members to receive their military compensation and benefits while we provide training and work expertise. Since 2019, we have had 55 service members take part in the SkillBridge Program at Duncan Aviation; 29 have come from the Air Force, 17 from the Navy, six from the Marines, and three from the Army. Of the 55 interns, 28 have been hired full-time.
Human Resources Specialist Miranda Shada says she is very appreciative of our military personnel and feels strongly that we as a nation should do everything we can to help them.
“I’m thankful and motivated by any opportunity I get to help active military personnel transition to the civilian world and find a career after they have served,” says Miranda. “To put it simply, both the company and the SkillBridge candidates can benefit with these opportunities. The program is an important bridge between their military careers and their paths to get home.”
You can learn more about the SkillBridge Program at Duncan Aviation by following this link: www.DuncanAviation.aero/careers/skillbridge
After nearly 20 years in the Air Force, Service Program Claims Analyst Christopher Olson knew his transition to civilian life was going to be a big adjustment, so he took advantage of the SkillBridge program.
Project Manager Chris Murray says that Duncan Aviation as a company is very appreciative of the sacrifice our nation’s veterans have made to guard and serve our freedom.
“We also recognize that the experience and insight veterans gain in the service can be an asset to the success and growth of our business,” says Chris. “Because of this, we are committed to making Duncan Aviation a place where veterans can thrive as they pursue their civilian careers. This has been demonstrated by our consistently high veteran hiring and retention numbers and the many individual success stories within our organization.”
Duncan Aviation also recently became a Utah Patriot Partner with the Utah Patriot Program. The Utah Patriot Partnership network is a State of Utah Workforce Services program that empowers businesses through their pledge to extend priority consideration of employment practices to veterans, military members, and spouses.
“Separating from the service is a huge culture shock,” says Christopher. “You go in as an 18-year-old, grow up in the military, and always have someone looking over your shoulder. Then, suddenly, after you’re out, you’re on your own, and you’re expected to make decisions you’ve never had to make as an adult.”
During his final year of being stationed abroad in Guam, Christopher and his family were wanting to move back to Nebraska. Leveraging the SkillBridge program created the perfect transition pathway for him to do just that. Christopher worked in Duncan Aviation’s Accounting department as an intern for 90 days prior to retiring from the military service, and was hired on full-time in the Engine Overhaul department after the completion of his internship.
Christopher says he’s grateful to be a part of the Duncan Aviation team and emphasizes that you have to experience the culture at Duncan Aviation to believe it.
“Duncan Aviation’s culture is similar to the military culture. When you’re with someone for years and years, and that career longevity is common at Duncan Aviation, you become more than just a highly efficient team with a shared sense of vision, values, and goals—you become family,” says Christopher. “That is what makes Duncan Aviation special!”
Christopher highly recommends SkillBridge to active-duty service members who are on the verge of leaving the military service.
“The program was paramount in helping me find a new purpose, a new mission, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that it provided me and my family,” he said.
Matthew Gruber has spent the past 22 years in the Air Force and is a former Recruiting intern at our facility in Battle Creek, Michigan.
“Transition from the military can be stressful with a lot of unknowns,” Matthew says. “I wanted to utilize the SkillBridge program to learn about business aviation and use the skills I gained through my time in the service.”
Matthew says that Duncan Aviation has given him the ability to learn and apply the skills and education he has to set himself up for future success in the civilian world.
“I have absolutely enjoyed my time here,” says Matthew. “I didn’t know what to expect coming in for my first day, but I’ll say I was immediately welcomed into the family. It’s great to see a culture of respect with employees smiling. The culture is second to none.”
Matthew says that if you are a service member with a background in aviation or a desire to learn corporate aviation, there is no place like Duncan Aviation.
“I’ve met a handful of other veterans and we all agree that working here is exceptional,” he explains. “The education and skills gained through the military experience set you up for success at Duncan Aviation. The entire team has been very easy to work with. They are flexible to my questions and my desire to understand the many different operations, sections, and procedures that happen on a daily basis. My overall experience has been a blessing.”