As one of the Northeast’s largest outdoor recreation retailers, Alpin Haus understands the importance of performance, proper maintenance and upkeep of the RV’s that are sold at its dealerships in Oak Ridge, NJ and Middletown, NY, in addition to New York’s Capital Region. As a family-owned business throughout Northern New Jersey for more than six decades, they appreciate the invaluable contributions and vital roles of local trade workers.
In December 2023, Alpin Haus forged a partnership with Lincoln Tech in Mahwah, NJ, and its students enrolled in the vocation-training institute’s electrical and HVAC certificate programs.
The partnership has flourished and, in some cases, launched careers of several graduates who were hired by Alpin Haus to work as service technicians in its Orange County (NY) and Oak Ridge (NJ) dealerships. As opportunities expand through the alliance, Lincoln Tech may essentially act as a feeder program for the two stores’ technician workforce.
“We have brought in some great technicians from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences as a result of our partnership with Lincoln Tech,” said Alpin Haus Director of Fixed Programs Derek Ricciardi. “It has opened the eyes of students who never thought that working for a business like ours would be possible and has inspired them to achieve their career goals.”
“There are so many different avenues of opportunity for students who pursue these technical career paths and offering them key roles through a business partnership such as the one we enjoy with Alpin Haus is a win-win for everyone,” said Lincoln Tech Director of Career Services Lori Creedon.
On Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m., Alpin Haus representatives are scheduled to make a 30-to-45-minute presentation to Lincoln Tech’s upcoming graduates during an evening class at the Mahwah campus. The RV team will arrive on campus with motorized or tow-behind RVs from its extensive fleet to conduct hands-on training demonstrations.
“During these presentations, students are shown ways they can use their newly acquired electrical or HVAC skills as technicians to service the sophisticated wiring and components that keep a trailer operational and in good condition,” Creeden said. “Many may have not even been inside an RV before. It’s a pretty cool learning experience.”
Lincoln Tech’s certificate programs typically take 10 to 13 months to complete and attract adults of all ages, including recent high school graduates, former members of the military and those simply looking to pursue a new career path. Electrical and HVAC tech programs provide students with transferrable skills that often allow them to secure employment right after graduation in a variety of technology-driven industries.
“We very much enjoy our partnership with Lincoln Tech because it allows us to show the individuals within their programs what else is out there, whether it be through HVAC, electrical, plumbing or machinery,” said Ricciardi. “All of those fields intertwine with what we do here from a service perspective.”
Alpin Haus also partners with local high school and BOCES programs to reach and empower students who may be developing a passion for mechanical industries on technician-driven career paths.
“Lincoln Tech has provided a steady feed of talented students for us. As we grow the company, we look forward to continuing to expand this partnership,” Ricciardi added.
Following its recent 60th anniversary season, Alpin Haus was recognized as an RV Business Top 50 Dealer by RV Trader and named Top 5 RV Dealer by RV Business Magazine.