RV Technical Institute Works With Windham School District To Train More RV Service Technicians

The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is the gold standard when it comes to RV technician training, providing the only industry-backed training curriculum and RV technician certification and career path. With the ongoing technician shortage causing difficulties for RV dealerships across the country, the RV Technical Institute team has been hard at work introducing as many interested individuals as possible to the service technician career path.

“Increasing the number of trained and certified technicians will have an immediate impact on the RV industry’s ability to deliver an amazing experience for our millions of customers, getting them the service and repairs they need to keep them happy and on the road,” said Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute.

Along with networking and training students directly, RVTI has also established the Authorized Learning Partner program, a network of regional training partners approved to deliver the Institute's standardized training on a local or regional basis. One of these training partners is the Windham School District, which provides academic, career and technical education, and life skills programs to eligible individuals within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). With 86 campuses located in TDCJ facilities across Texas, Windham strives to prepare students with the necessary education and skills to successfully reenter the workforce within their communities.

Last year, Windham piloted a first-of-its-kind RV technician training program at the Linda Woodman Campus, an all-women's facility in Gatesville, Texas. Their first class of ten students, who were enrolled in the program, graduated July 1st with their RV Technical Institute Level 1 certification. 

"The Windham School District is honored to partner with RVTI to provide our students a program where they will gain the knowledge and skills needed to obtain gainful employment and succeed in the industry," said Windham School District Superintendent Kristina J. Hartman, Ed.S. 

One of the program's graduates was Monica Cardenas-Broadus, who now works at the Clear Creek RV dealership in Abilene, TX. 

“I initially wanted to do automotive, but they didn’t offer that there.” Monica explained. “This was a new program, and it wasn’t something that everyone else had already done. I thought it would be a cool class where I could learn something new, and it kept me busy.”

She notes that she enjoyed the training. “Personally, I loved it. My teacher was exceptionally awesome because he would tell us about RVs and relate it to automotives and home plumbing and electrical systems. He taught us the differences in each system and how to wire them. He also told the stories about them, which I loved because it helped me remember everything. The experience was amazing.”

Monica also recalls when she found out she would be working for Clear Creek RV. She had originally been planning on heading straight to Linda Woodman’s education department upon her release, and she was surprised when instead they called her there the day before. “They called me down to education and said they had a job for me, and that I would be starting December 1st at Clear Creek RV Center. I just started crying… I had been praying for that job!”

“I’m from this area and knew I would be coming back here,” she adds. “I’ve been grateful for the class, just in general. It changed my whole life.”

Clear Creek RV’s service manager, Guy Morgan, also recognizes the impact that the RV Technical Institute’s training can have on its students, as well as the dealership they work for. “The training that Monica received from RVTI’s curriculum is very acceptable, and having their program taught with the department of corrections is an outstanding idea. They’re learning a skillset that’s in dire need on so many different levels.”

In the wake of the technician shortage, Guy emphasized how valuable RVTI’s curriculum can be for dealerships looking to hire skilled employees. “It’s been virtually impossible to find qualified RV technicians, and with this training that has been provided and the skill level coming from the program, it means they can start right away. I would hire their graduates in a heartbeat.”

He adds that, as the RV industry continues to grow, he looks forward to seeing RVTI continue to facilitate training opportunities. “Having these training programs through department of corrections, high schools, and technical schools, is great because it trains technicians who may not have otherwise even known about it.”

For Monica, achieving a Level 1 RV Technical Institute certification has paved the way for her to continue advancing her skillset. Since beginning her job at Clear Creek RV, Monica has also been working toward additional certifications, encouraged by her dealership’s supportive environment. “I’m already starting the RV Technical Institute’s Level 2 course and working my way up. I have this chance, and I make good money. We’re family oriented, small, every Friday we cook for lunch, and it boosts our morale. We support each other. This is a phenomenal opportunity and I’m so grateful I’ve been given this chance.”

She now follows a daily work routine of morning meetings and hands-on work for the remainder of the day. “I have four RVs at a time I’m working on and for the past three days I’ve been working on a slide-out floor. It’s phenomenal, the experience that you get, and the hands on that you get here. Every day I’m learning something.”

Ultimately, she plans on becoming Level 4 Master Technician: “I want to be a service manager. I just know that I’m going to grow here. This career, this class, and this industry has given me a second chance.”

Interested in signing up for the RV Technical Institute’s training course but concerned about cost? It has never been easier or more affordable to receive the gold standard RV Technical Institute training with the launch of RVTI’s new subscription model. The plan allows RV dealerships to train all their technicians either through the online program or in-person at RVTI’s headquarters in Elkhart for $1,200 per location. For individuals, either mobile technicians or people who are looking to get into the RV technician field, there is a $300/year option for individuals. This plan also provides access to RVTI’s Level 1 and Level 2 online training or in-person classes in Elkhart. More information on the new subscription model is available here.