The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking a milestone in its mission to train technicians and elevate service quality within the RV industry.
Launched in 2019 by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and RV Dealers Association, RVTI has helped professionals to keep RVs running smoothly and enhance the RV experience. The institute is inviting RV industry companies to tour its Elkhart, Indiana, facility during the 2024 Elkhart RV Open House from September 23-26.
CEO & President Craig Kirby reflected on RVTI’s journey, emphasizing the importance of creating a training program for technicians. “Our goal was simple: to create a gold-standard training program to empower technicians to deliver exceptional service and elevate the RV experience,” Kirby said in a News & Insights report of RVIA.
“After five years, I can confidently say that we’ve built a nationwide community of skilled and enthusiastic professionals dedicated to keeping RVers on the road,” Kirby added.
RVTI began its operations in an 18,000-square-foot facility in Elkhart, Indiana, where it initially offered in-person training. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute adapted by shifting to live, online Zoom courses for Level 1 training. The success of these virtual classes led to the development of self-paced online programs, now available for both Level 1 and Level 2 technicians.
As of the end of RVTI’s fourth year, over 15,000 students have enrolled in the training programs. These students range from dealership technicians seeking to improve their skills to newcomers entering the RV industry. The program has also attracted entrepreneurs interested in mobile repair businesses.
Executive Director Curt Hemmeler highlighted RVTI’s efforts to recruit new technicians, noting that attracting skilled workers requires innovative approaches. “Attracting and training service technicians to make sure that millions of RVers continue to enjoy the great outdoors requires creative recruitment efforts,” Hemmeler stated.
One of RVTI’s initiatives has been its partnership with the RV Women’s Alliance, which has expanded opportunities for women in the RV industry. Initially launched as a pilot program, the all-female training courses are now being offered nationwide.
Another aspect of RVTI’s success lies in its partnerships across the industry. By collaborating with dealerships, technical colleges, and even correctional facilities through the Authorized Learning Partners program, RVTI has expanded its training reach beyond its Elkhart facility. This network now supports over 85% of the institute’s students.