The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) joined the 53rd America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania last week, where thousands of consumers attended. They introduced interested individuals to the RV technician career path.
The show, which featured over 1,300 RVs from 40 manufacturers, is designed for consumers to shop and compare new RVs, as well as find the latest accessories, upgrades, campgrounds, vacation destinations, and related products.
As part of its ongoing Year of Recruitment, RVTI was at the Hershey Show to promote the only industry-backed gold standard training curriculum and recruit future RV technicians to reach the goal of training 1,000 individuals from outside the industry this year, as per the News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association.
Many who stopped by the booth acknowledged the need for RV technicians and either wanted to sign up for the program themselves or knew someone who would be interested. Others mentioned they were retiring and wanted to become a certified RV technician as a source of income.
Some who stopped by were already familiar with the program, while others wanted more information. Regardless of the reason or level of familiarity, all the consumers who stopped by the booth were supportive of the RVTI’s mission and recognized the need for more technicians.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in getting into a trade,” said Chris Dougherty RV, founder of Doughtery Consulting LLC.
“Along with the Pennsylvania school system, we’ve seen a lot of interest from the dealers and consumers here at Hershey,” Doughtery said. “The RV technician career also has flexible options; you can work at a dealership or become an independent technician. It makes for an interesting career, and with the influx of RVers, you’ll never be out of work.”
James Lubomski, Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association Education Director, who attended the Hershey RV show, has also received interest from the Pennsylvania school system.
Within the last few years, he has worked with the RV Technical Institute to incorporate the RV technician curriculum into Pennsylvanian career and technician centers.
Lubomski, who has a background working in the Pennsylvania Department of Education, has seen great motivation from young people who want to become RV technicians, ultimately helping reduce the technician shortage.
“Currently, there are six career and technician schools in Pennsylvania who are interested in the RV Technical Institute’s Level 1 curriculum,” Lumbomski said. “Initially, we wanted 6 to 12 students enrolled in these courses, but already we have 15 to 20 who are interested in becoming Level 1 certified and finding employment.”
He adds that students who become certified could start their own business if they wanted, allowing them to decide where to take their RV technician career. “This program gives people so many skills that they can use to be successful in the RV industry.”