Airstream hosts VIP, takes pledge for workforce
JACKSON CENTER — Airstream played host to the U. S. Secretary for the Interior Wednesday when company officials took the pledge to educate and train its workforce to face the challenges of the coming years.
Secretary David Bernhardt joined Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler on a tour of the company’s latest plant, which opened in January.
Following the tour, Airstream’s leadership signed the Trump Administration's Pledge to America’s Workers, committing to invest in their workforce and expand job opportunities in Ohio.
Since the program launched in 2018, more than 450 companies have signed the Pledge to America’s Workers, committing to support more than 16.3 million job and training- related opportunities for American workers.
In his remarks, Wheeler highlighted the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, and his own company’s commitment to the pledge, training 380 workers over five years and more than 200 by next summer.
He thanked Bernhardt for making outdoor conservation a priority.
He said they have taken their commitment seriously to “not just hire the finest talent in the area, but to also grow and develop that talent.”
In Airstream’s headquarters they have 11,000 square feet of dedicated training space, for on boarding and developing new skills. Wheeler said they also work with schools and universities to help prepare students for success.
RV Industry Association Vice President of
Government Affairs Jay Landers said the industry is worth $ 114 billion dollars but that the outdoor recreation industry worth $ 778 Billion which gets people’s attention. Landers was pleased with efforts to modernize campgrounds.
Bernhardt told workers Airstream is “more than transportation and housing.” He said the trailer represented memories of hanging out on a family farm when he was younger.
“What you are doing here is really is an honor,” Bernhardt told workers.
There is no better time to explore public lands and spend time outdoors. He said the legislation represented $ 10 billion dollars of investing into infrastructure for parks. He said some parks have not been maintained the way that they should have been.
“This will allow tremendous investment in updating areas,” he said, adding $ 900 million per year is guaranteed for additional recreational facilities.
He said the pledge to American workers is a commitment to ensure people grow in the best way they can.
Bernhardt said he was thrilled with Wheeler signing the pledge and considered employees a great asset and resource.
Bernhardt explained why signing is so important.
“We have this pandemic, we are coming out of it. Now more than ever we need to recognize that production of many things, pharmaceuticals to critical minerals to vehicles all needs to be back here in America,” he said. “We need to emphasize opportunities for American workers.”