HFM Career & Technical Director Jay A. DeTraglia welcome Alpin Haus representatives to the center Oct. 16.
It takes more than technical skills to be successful in the workforce, a local employer recently told students at the HFM Career and Technical Center.
That’s the message representatives from Alpin Haus reinforced when they visited local high school juniors and seniors at the CTC Wednesday, Oct. 16.
“Energy, attitude, motivation, teamwork. No matter where you work, you’re going to have to bring that,” said Tom Morin, director of employee development at Alpin Haus.
Morin, together with Alpin Haus recruiter Maggie Miller and Service Department trainer Erich Kress, talked with HFM students in the center’s Automotive Technology, Auto Body Repair, Construction Technology and the Skilled Trades: Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing programs. They spoke about the career paths available at Alpin Haus’ five locations and many departments working with RVs, boats, pools, snowmobiles and more. Technicians skilled in the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, heating, ventilation and air conditioning fields are in demand at the company.
“The thing I love about being a technician is that it’s challenging everyday. I’ve never been bored,” Kress told the students, recounting his career path at Alpin Haus, which started with a job as a ski salesperson after college. Through hard work, that job blossomed into a career leading him through positions as a pool laborer, RV service writer, shop foreman, service and parts manager and now the RV technical trainer.
Tom Morin, director of employee development at Alpin Haus, speaks with CTE students about career opportunities.
Wednesday’s visit by the Alpin Haus representatives gave the CTC students the opportunity to learn and ask questions about different career fields, internship possibilities and employment opportunities.
Since February of this year, 2,177 people have applied for jobs at Alpin Haus, the company said. Attitude and the willingness to be coached are qualities they look for in candidates. The company currently employs approximately 285 employees.
“In addition to technical skills in their chosen career field, we also strive to teach students the personal attributes and interpersonal skills that employers require,” HFM Career and Technical Director Jay A. DeTraglia said. “Our partnerships with local employers help us teach those important skills.”
Family owed, the Amsterdam-based Alpin Haus has been selling and servicing outdoor recreational vehicles and equipment for more than 50 years.
Next week, CTC students will visit Alpin Haus’ Route 5S location in Amsterdam.
A CTE student looks through applications for jobs available at Alpin Haus.
