Navarro College has partnered with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) to launch the first RV technician training program of its kind in Texas, designed to meet growing workforce demand in the state’s expanding RV industry.
The Corsicana-based community college became the first in the nation to be named an RV Technical Institute Authorized Learning Partner, allowing it to deliver the institute’s nationally recognized Level 1 technician curriculum.
The program began October 20 and provides hands-on instruction to prepare students for employment in RV dealerships and mobile repair businesses.
Developed in collaboration with Fun Town RV and RV component manufacturer Lippert Components, the new program offers training in key RV systems, including propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, and chassis repair. Graduates will earn RVTI certification, qualifying them to enter the RV workforce immediately after completion.
“This partnership represents a best practice in how community colleges can collaborate directly with industry to design programs that truly meet workforce needs,” Dr. Tara Peters, executive director of Workforce, Career and Technical Education at Navarro College, said in a News and Insights report of RVIA on October 20.
“By aligning with the RV Technical Institute and key industry partners like Fun Town RV and Lippert Components, Navarro College is ensuring that our students gain the hands-on skills and certifications employers are looking for,” Peters added.
Peters added that the program sets a precedent for higher education institutions seeking to address skilled labor shortages in specialized industries.
“We are proud to lead the way as the first community college Authorized Learning Partner, setting a model for how higher education and industry can work together to build a talent pipeline that addresses workforce needs,” Peters explained.
The program comes as Texas continues to see growth in RV ownership, travel, and manufacturing, making it one of the largest RV markets in the country. The college’s training initiative aims to ensure that the state’s RV dealerships and service providers can access a pool of certified, job-ready technicians.
Fun Town RV, headquartered in Fort Worth, has played a key role in the program’s development, providing both financial backing and scholarship funding to support students entering the field.
“We are proud to partner with Navarro College to launch this RV technician program,” said Amberly Patrick, training director for Fun Town RV.
“By training and certifying skilled technicians, this initiative will strengthen the entire RV industry, improve customer satisfaction, and provide local high school graduates with a clear and accessible path into a rewarding career in the RV field,” Patrick added.
For RVTI, the partnership marks a major milestone in expanding access to its curriculum through local institutions.
“Expanding certified RV technician training through community hubs like Navarro College is the fastest way to build the skilled workforce needed to meet the demand from RV owners across Texas,” said Sharonne Lee, vice president of RVTI.
“We’re proud to welcome Navarro College as our first community college partner, and it would not have been possible without the support from Fun Town RV and Lippert. This collaboration is a game-changer for the future of the industry,” Lee added.