There is a lot of talk in Adams County about growth—whether it is the size of buildings, land use where farms once flourished, and population density. While those conversations are important, it is also critical that we focus on growing what is already here, both businesses and people. The Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI), which serves Gettysburg, Littlestown, Bermudian Springs, Fairfield, and Conewago Valley school districts, is an essential component of our future success.
We know this because the results have already been proven.
About two years ago, Battlefield Harley-Davidson owners David and Pauline LeVan were in need of motorcycle technicians. The jobs pay above the Adams County median household income and give people the opportunity to work where they live. This is important for people to remain close to family and the community in which they grew up.
The LeVans reached out to the Adams Economic Alliance, who connected them to ACTI Director Shawn Eckenrode. He listened to their challenge and then connected them to Littlestown Area High School student Mitchell Feeser. Mitchell was in ACTI’s diesel program and eager to succeed in life, but he knew he was likely to join the 85.6% of Adams County residents who do not earn a bachelor’s degree.
The LeVans met with Mitchell, and it became apparent to them that he had the skills and desire to become part of their business. Not only was he a talented student, but he had the communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in a customer service-oriented industry.
“We believe in these young people who enjoy the technical skills they are learning,” Pauline LeVan said.
Taking on a student was a risk, but the LeVans believed that with the right structure, Battlefield Harley Davidson and Mitchell would succeed alongside each other. Shop Foreman Travis Maines, himself a graduate of York Technical Institute and strong believer in the power of technical education, created a formal apprenticeship program for Mitchell. He not only learned from his Battlefield Harley Davidson colleagues but has attended Harley Davidson training conferences across the United States.
There are many Mitchells in our communities and several other businesses that can benefit from their intelligence and work ethic. ACTI possesses numerous success stories of the like. Not only do these young people come out of these programs fully ready to join the workforce and earn competitive and sustainable wages, but they also don’t have $100K in college debts. Supporting the ACTI expansion is how we work together to grow Adams County from within.
Robin Fitzpatrick is president of the Adams Economic Alliance, with a mission of facilitating the future of Adams County through economic opportunities, productive partnerships and community-focused strategies. The alliance’s vision is to cast the vision and lead the implementation of diverse and responsible economic growth to improve everyone’s quality of life in Adams County. For more information, see adamsalliance.org; contact us at 717-334-0042.
