The RV Technical Institute (RVTI), Navarro College, and Fun Town RV celebrated a milestone in RV workforce development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Corsicana, Texas, marking the launch of RVTI’s first community college partnership for its technician training program.
The initiative establishes Navarro College as the nation’s first community college to become an Authorized Learning Partner.
Backed by Fort Worth-based Fun Town RV and supported by Lippert Components, the program aims to train and certify students as qualified RV technicians ready to enter the industry.
Fun Town RV provided financial assistance and scholarships for students enrolled in the inaugural class, which began one week before the event. The program’s goal is to expand access to skilled labor training as RV dealerships and mobile service businesses continue to face a shortage of certified technicians nationwide.
Community leaders, college officials, and industry representatives attended the ceremony, where students in the first cohort were recognized with certificates of participation.
The new program brings RVTI’s nationally recognized technician curriculum to Navarro College, offering hands-on instruction in inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing propane, electrical, plumbing, appliance, and chassis systems across a variety of RV types.
“This is a model to expand across the United States to partner with other community colleges and educational institutions,” said Sharonne Lee, Vice President of Education and Operations for the RV Technical Institute. “Isn’t it great when two organizations’ missions match?”
Texas remains one of the largest RV markets in the country, and the collaboration is viewed as a critical step in strengthening the pipeline of skilled labor to support continued growth.
“This really is a milestone event for the institution and is a great example and best practice of industry collaboration for our ecosystem in terms of our city Corsicana, economic development, and workforce,” Dr. Peters, executive director of workforce, career and technical eEducation at Navarro College, said in a News and Insights report of RVIA on November 4.
Navarro College District President Dr. Kevin G. Fegan also said the partnership aligns with the college’s core mission. “This opportunity filtered through the three lenses that we look at here at Navarro College when considering these types of experiences for students,” Fegan explained.
“Will it impact in a positive way the communities that we serve? Will it empower individuals to change their lives by preparing for career? And is it innovation built on tradition? This opportunity checks all three of those boxes,” Fegan added.
Corsicana Mayor Joe Hill highlighted the program’s importance to the region’s economic vitality. “This (workforce programming) is what Navarro College is all about and near and dear to our hearts is economic development,” Hill said. “Businesses need knowledgeable and skilled employees and access to a training facility is a must.”
Fun Town RV Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McGhee emphasized the value of developing technical talent to meet rising industry needs. “Getting more people that are trained and willing to do those kinds of (wrenching) jobs… they are probably going to be some of the highest paid people in the country,” McGhee said.
McGhee also reflected on the community spirit that defines the RV lifestyle. “If you want to know how the real world is going, go to a campground,” he said. “It’s all good people there, and when one person has a problem they’re all over there helping the others, and that’s the kind of industry I want to work in.”