Members from the RV Technical Institute, Newmar and Thor Industries met with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to present how the Institute can contribute to the Indiana Workforce Development Program.
Thor Industries was in attendance to discuss the success of its own LEAP (Learn Engage Achieve Perform) program, aimed at local middle school and high school students in Elkhart County, Ind., which is designed to bring awareness of careers in the RV industry and the trades, which can be a powerful tool within the workforce development initiative.
In attendance were Holcomb; Rick Schutt and Ken Julian, Thor; Curt Hemmeler, RV Technical Institute; Matt Miller, Newmar Corp. and RV Technical Institute chairman; Michael Ochs, RV Industry Association and Mark Weller, RV industry lobbyist.
Holcomb pledged his support to the RV industry and its commitment to use the Institute as part of the governor’s overall efforts to close the skills gaps for Hoosiers and to improve the local economy through expanded workforce development programs
“The governor and his staff seemed to understand the potential role that careers in the trades could play in the economic development of the area and how the mission of the RV Technical Institute can fit into that goal,” said Hemmeler. “We are keeping a dialogue open with the governor and his staff on how we can continue to work with them to improve the economic outlook for people across the state of Indiana.”
The RV Technical Institute is officially opening on Sept. 23 during the Elkhart RV Open House. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) will be attending the grand opening along with local business leaders in the community. Dealers, manufacturers and suppliers may sign up to attend the grand opening and tour the new facility here.
