As demand for skilled RV service technicians grows across the United States, industry organizations are turning to a reliable source of talent: military veterans. With hands-on technical training, travel experience, and strong work discipline, many veterans are finding new careers in the mobile lifestyle industry.
Established in 2019 by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealers Association, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) in Elkhart, Indiana, serves as the training hub for aspiring technicians.
The nonprofit institute offers in-person, online, and hybrid certification programs designed to address the nationwide shortage of qualified RV service professionals.
Many veterans bring with them the technical expertise, discipline, and adaptability that naturally align with the demands of the RV technician profession. Their hands-on mechanical training, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently make them strong candidates for a field that values precision and reliability.
“This is actually an employable skill that you can go out and market. You can work for a dealership, you can be an RV inspector, and you can make anywhere from $40,000 to even $100,000,” Air Force veteran and former RVTI Executive Director Curtis Hemmeler said in an article published by USA Today and shared with the News and Insights report of RVIA.
RVTI’s core curriculum certifies Level 1 and Level 2 technicians, preparing students for employment at dealerships, manufacturing facilities, or as independent mobile technicians.
Courses can be completed through self-paced online training, classroom sessions at RVTI’s Elkhart campus, or a 12-week hybrid model that combines online learning with hands-on assessments.
Tuition for the program is $630, covering five courses to be completed within a 12-month period. Financial assistance is available through the Kevin Phillips Scholarship, which helps offset training costs for qualified students.
Coursework includes propane, electrical, and water systems, as well as appliances, generators, chassis, and body components. Students also receive vendor-led instruction focused on troubleshooting and diagnostics.
RVTI’s training network continues to expand through partnerships with community colleges and high schools nationwide. Navarro College in Texas recently became the first community college to offer RVTI’s Level 1 courses, with plans to extend into advanced certification levels.
Partnerships also include an initiative with the RV Women’s Alliance to provide all-women Level 1 and Level 2 classes, further broadening accessibility and diversity within the technician workforce.
Since launching its first courses, RVTI has trained nearly 25,000 individuals, according to Hemmeler. Enrollment has grown between 20 and 24% annually, driven by a mix of online subscriptions and institutional partnerships.
The institute is also rolling out a new online directory called Find a Certified RV Tech, allowing RV owners to locate certified technicians at dealerships or independent mobile service companies across the country.
Among those who transitioned successfully are Army veterans Niko and Shellie Vandevoorde, owners of Niko’s Mobile RV Services. After attending RVTI’s training program in Elkhart, the couple launched their mobile repair business, traveling seasonally between Georgia and Indiana.