RV Technical Institute Board Sets Direction For 2020

Last week, the RV Technical Institute’s Board of Directors met to set the direction and priorities for the Institute in 2020, chief among them is the focus on reaching new audiences through partnership; finalizing the Level 2 curriculum, classes and testing; completing comprehensive market research on RV techs; and maintaining the commitment for free Level 1 classes for members of the RV industry.

In order to reach and train as many RV technicians as possible, the RV Technical Institute has created a “hub and spoke” model with a headquarters in Elkhart, Ind., and partnerships with regional trainers across the country. This Authorized Licensed Partner (ALP) program allows the RV Technical Institute’s curriculum to be delivered through a network of regional training partners approved to teach the Institute’s standardized training on a local or regional basis. So far, the program has agreements with eight partners across the country, including Camping World Technical Institute, the largest RV dealer network and training program in the country.

As these partnerships are established and training begins around the country, the RV Technical Institute’s Board is maintaining its commitment to provide free Level 1 training at the Elkhart facility to anyone currently in the RV industry. The demand for these classes is increasing and new sessions are being scheduled regularly.

Coinciding with the Board meeting, the RV Technical Institute’s Level 2 Pilot session was completed last week. Staff now turns their attention to the “Item Level Analysis” where they examine the tests and evaluate their performance, remove or tweak where necessary, and discuss any needed changes to the curriculum. The results of this analysis will be a finalized Level 2 curriculum, testing process and minimum passing scores. The process involves several subject matter experts, staff and instructors. Once complete, additional Level 2 classes will be scheduled.

The RV Technical Institute has also recently launched an RV technician market assessment study which will evaluate key data from dealership owners and principals, RV service managers and current and prospective RV technicians on technician needs and how the Institute can best support the end consumer through training and recruitment. Results from this study will also inform the Institute’s staff as they market the tech training program to those outside of the industry at events like the National School Counselors Convention and Future Farmers of America national convention later this year.

For more information on the RV Technical Institute, click here.