Investing in the Industry’s Future Workforce
Leitner Poma of America is a proud sponsor of The Pipeline Project and has helped them address a critical need in the ski industry: connecting the next generation of workers with career opportunities that keep resorts running.
On Oct. 15th, The Pipeline Project hosted the ski industry’s first-ever dedicated high school career event at Pat’s Peak, N.H., and LPOA was proud to be there in support. The event brought together nearly 90 high school students and educators to explore career paths in an industry that has historically lacked direct youth recruitment efforts.
“Ski industry jobs get lost as a career path because everyone goes to ski to have a good time, and no one thinks about how something they can enjoy can become their career,” said Tiffany Whitcomb, founder of The Pipeline Project and a former Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher. “We wanted to show students that these jobs offer real, viable opportunities—and Leitner Poma understood that vision immediately.”
For LPOA, sponsoring this event aligns with a larger commitment to strengthening the ski industry’s workforce pipeline. From lift mechanics to vehicle technicians to snowmakers, the company recognizes that sustainable operations depend on attracting and training skilled workers early.
“We’re invested in the long-term health of this industry,” said Michael Manley, director of sales for LPOA. “By introducing students to these career paths now, we’re helping ensure that resorts have the skilled professionals they need to operate safely and efficiently for years to come.”
LPOA’s sponsorship went beyond financial support. The company actively participated in shaping the event, giving students hands-on experience learning about gondolas, chairlift systems, and resort operations. Students also participated in a small career questions-and-answers session, attended a networking luncheon with 45-minute rotations with resort professionals, and participated in mock job interviews—all designed to provide them with an industry-career roadmap.
“This was much more in-depth than typical career fairs,” Whitcomb noted. “It was an all-day event designed to help students see the full scope of opportunities.”
For LPOA, this event marks the beginning of an ongoing investment in workforce development. By sponsoring initiatives like The Pipeline Project, LPOA is taking a leadership role in ensuring the ski industry remains viable, well-staffed, and accessible to the next generation.
“Companies like Leitner Poma are recognizing that if we want talented people, we need to meet students where they are and show them what’s possible,” Whitcomb said.
