Kirby’s Barber RV dealership in Ventura, California, has found the key to hiring technicians for its dealership. The dealership teamed up with Oxnard College’s Auto Tech program providing benefits for both the college and the dealership.
“Finding qualified technicians that truly care about the customer and their career has always been essential,” said Louis Vierstra, fixed operations director at Kirby’s Barber RV dealership.
Driving the dealership’s vision, Vierstra was introduced to Oxnard College Auto Tech Program Instructor Kevin Corse. Vierstra was seeking help in finding top talent. Corse answered the call with one of his brightest students nearing graduation, Alex Castro Morales.
Vierstra, having been in the RV/automotive business for more than 30 years, recognized the need for college-trained technicians. The instructor referred Castro Morales as a likely candidate fitting Vierstra’s criteria for the RV dealership’s apprentice program.
Vierstra implemented the apprentice program at the RV dealership in early 2019. The program has been a proven success for the Service Department since that time.
“Alex has been a wonderful addition to our RV service center and has a bright future ahead of him thanks to Kevin Corse and the Oxnard College Automotive Program,” Vierstra said.
“Kevin Corse has one of the finest Automotive Technology programs I’ve ever encountered,” he said. “It was a no-brainer when it came time to hire a student from Oxnard College. As a firm believer in supporting our community, it was a natural fit to pull talent from the local college…”
Vierstra said he believes other RV dealers can find success in locating qualified technicians by following this model as well. For more information about the Kirby’s Barber RV apprentice program, contact Vierstra at Lvierstra@barberrvcom.
