HUNTSVILLE Representatives from Ron Hoover RV & Marine toured Windham School District’s (Windham) Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician program, located at the Woodman campus in Gatesville June 7.
Windham campuses are located in Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities. The district is responsible for providing educational opportunities in high-demand fields to men and women who will rejoin our Texas communities and workforce following incarceration. Prior to the tour, three women who recently completed the RV program participated in a formal job interview in preparation for their upcoming community reentry. This campus visit allowed the opportunity to further explore a potential partnership between Windham and Ron Hoover RV & Marine.
“Windham School District values our partnerships with employers across the state,” Windham Superintendent Kristina J. Hartman said in a news release. “Employment partnerships not only prepare our students for success within high-demand industries, but in turn, they allow Windham graduates to contribute to and elevate the Texas workforce with qualified, hardworking employees.”
Following the interviews, the Ron Hoover RV & Marine representatives visited with the women currently enrolled in the RV Service Technician program, touring their facility and reviewing equipment the students use to apply skills learned in the classroom. This was an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge to professionals within the industry and learn important career aspects that better help prepare them for their futures. Students presented class projects and relevant course equipment, such as an RV refrigerator, that they use as part of their course instruction.
“When a prestigious employer such as Ron Hoover RV & Marine is willing to send three upper management employees to speak to our students, they are doing more than encouraging them, they are serving as a true catalyst for lasting change in these individuals’ lives,” Sumer Shropshire, Windham Women’s Program Specialist said in the release. “The women see that there is not only hope for employment, but a lasting and gainful career.”
Within Windham’s RV Service Technician program, students diagnose, inspect, adjust and repair recreational vehicles, including travel trailers. Students examine and test the operation of parts or systems to ensure completeness of repairs and inspect recreational vehicles to diagnose problems and perform necessary adjustments. Some aspects of the course include propane safety and propane system testing, inspection of body structure and chassis and performance checks of appliances and generators. Students that complete this program will earn their RV Service Technician Level One certification, allowing them to kickstart their career in the RV and Service Tech industry.
“It is amazing to see the women come to life when given an opportunity to have a conversation with industry professionals and demonstrate their knowledge and skills,” Ms. Shropshire said. “They are proud of their accomplishments, encouraged about their futures and grateful for the opportunities presented by Windham and our community partners.”
Windham has established partnerships with a multitude of state agencies, postsecondary institutions and businesses to enhance opportunities for students across the district. These partnerships are centered around collaboration, progress and student accomplishment. The district works closely with its partners to identify industry needs and, in turn, ensures course instruction and material is current with the latest industry standards. Windham equips students with the opportunity to network with potential employers and the tools necessary to succeed in their chosen career paths, while furthering the success of its partners and the Texas workforce, overall.