Nation’s Newest and Largest Auto and Diesel Tech Campus to Hold Open House March 5

BLAIRSVILLE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The newest and largest U.S. campus dedicated to training vehicle technicians will be open for public tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5, 2022.

NVI Institute Blairsville’s facility, spanning more than 282,000 square feet in multiple buildings, has been upgraded after its purchase by New Village Initiative. New classes started in January.

“The Open House offers a chance for local and national potential students, parents, community members, neighbors and our industry partners to tour our remodeled and updated tech campus,” said Chris Barton, campus director. “We are eager to show everyone our industry-leading facilities and make people aware of the great career opportunities that the vehicle industry offers.”

The festivities will focus on the Automotive and Diesel buildings on the sprawling 27-acre campus. Visitors can tour the extensive facility, meet the NVI staff, participate in a “vehicle smash,” enjoy entertainment, visit food trucks and get instructors’ tips on vehicle maintenance, including changing tires, checking vehicle fluids and learning handy techniques using a key fob.

NVI’s innovative six-month programs, developed with key input from industry leaders, are significantly shorter than those of many other schools. That allows students to apply for jobs sooner, helping fill a critical shortage of technicians in the U.S. It also reduces educational expenses, compared with other schools.

In addition, NVI’s staff work to get students connected with potential employers well before graduation, so they have the opportunity to discuss arranging a job early. That one-on-one contact is more valuable than weaving through large job fairs and sending out resumes after graduation.

And the jobs pay well. Major companies report paying early career technicians $60,000 or more across the country, with fleets paying as much as $91,500 in major cities.

NVI is offering educational grants to assist qualifying students who need financial assistance. In addition, many of NVI’s partnering employers offer assistance that can include partial or full tuition reimbursement.

“We don’t want financial challenges to stand in the way of young people or anyone dreaming of a new, self-sufficient career in vehicle technology. Vehicle techs keep America’s infrastructure and economy running, and allow Americans to get to work and school everyday safely. It’s our job to help enable, educate, mentor, and equip these people for great careers,” said Gary Beeman, CEO of New Village Initiative, the school’s parent company. “Through our New Village Foundation and with the support of our industry partners, we are able to offer grants and other financial assistance to qualifying students.”

NVI is committed to being a good neighbor by supporting the local community as a tech center of national significance. The school is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Pennsylvania Department of Education.