Industry

RPM Foundation

Automotive
Collision Repair & Restoration
Aviation

Short for Restoration, Preservation, and Mentorship, the RPM Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that the critical skills necessary to preserve and restore historic collector automobiles, motorcycles, and boats are not lost. RPM provides internships, apprenticeships, and scholarships to students and organizations committed to advancing hands-on training in the automotive restoration and preservation industry, and the future of artisans, craftsmen, and technicians in these fields.

RPM Foundation

Industry Partnerships

Q&A with RPM Foundation

WHY PARTNER WITH PENN COLLEGE?

The RPM Foundation is a longtime supporter of Penn College's Automotive Restoration program. Since 2012, we have provided grant funding to support scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, equipment, programs, and more.

HOW HAS ENROLLING AS A CORPORATE TOMORROW MAKER ENHANCED YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PENN COLLEGE?

Enrolling as a Corporate Tomorrow Maker has created opportunities for us to showcase the partnership between Penn College and RPM, raise awareness of the career possibilities within the collector vehicle industry, and nurture relationships between students and the shops seeking talent.

WHAT QUALITIES MAKE PENN COLLEGE GRADUATES STAND OUT?

The vehicle restoration shops in our network are seeking an elusive combination of technical aptitude and artistic sensibilities. They're looking for craftspeople to serve as the next generation of a workforce responsible for keeping rolling works of art on the road. The students coming out of Penn College's vehicle restoration program are consistently solid examples of just this type of artisan.

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR COMPANY ATTRACT OUR STUDENTS AND FUTURE STUDENTS TO JOIN YOUR OPERATIONS?

Those seeking a career in vehicle restoration and preservation are passionate about car culture, craft, and the history behind these vehicles. The shops in our network offer the opportunity to bring beautiful and important vehicles back to life, so that future generations can enjoy and be inspired by them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND PARENTS) WHO ARE CONSIDERING PENN COLLEGE?

If you're dedicated to learning about collector vehicles, automotive history, and how to restore and preserve these machines, Penn College has the tools you'll need to accomplish this.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS TO BEST PREPARE THEM TO JOIN YOUR TEAM?

The shops in our network are founded and staffed by individuals who love what they do. They understand the difference between a job and a passion, and have honed their trade through years of experience. Come to these shops willing to learn and work hard, and you'll be rewarded with great opportunities.

Industry Connections

"The RPM Foundation is proud to support Penn College and their efforts to educate the next generation of vehicle restoration and preservation professionals. This is an educational program that truly understands the career. It's meant for those who are passionate about the art and craft of historic vehicles, and the culture they inspire. The students of Penn College embody that passion."

Nick Ellis

Executive Director

Programs

Automotive

Hone the technical skills you need to be a part of a rapidly growing career field.

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Collision Repair & Restoration

Whether you enjoy working with modern cars and trucks or prefer vintage vehicles, our programs lend the theory and specialized training to fuel your future.

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Aviation

With three degree options to choose from, access to specialized learning labs, and expert faculty leading the way, Penn College is the place to set your future in motion.

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