General RV Center announced today it will offer a tuition-free, paid learning program for employees to further their education as RV service technicians.
Recognizing the need for RV technicians nationwide, General RV created the General RV Tech School to help the next generation of RV techs get access to hands-on training. With support from RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and other manufacturing partners, students get real-world experiences that will help them earn certifications and learn skills that lead to better wages and career advancement. The new educational offerings build upon General RV’s commitment to supporting employees and offering customers the highest level of service, the company said.
“The General RV Tech School solidifies our dedication to growing the skill sets of our current technicians and spotlight ways for them to grow in their current positions,” said Laura Dobbs, General RV director of service and customer experience. “This investment will not only allow us to better serve our employees, but also allow us to deliver premier service to customers throughout our nationwide network of supercenters.”
Using a core curriculum set by RVTI, current employees can earn certifications through the General RV Tech School. Technicians receive hands-on training at the company’s pre-delivery inspection facility in Elkhart, Indiana, or General RV’s Dover, Florida, Supercenter. The General RV Tech School is free, and technicians are also paid for attending and earning their certification.
The General RV Tech School is offering RVTI Level 1 and Level 2 training courses for employees throughout 2024. Level 1 certification is offered at every General RV location. In the course, participants will learn to complete a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Following instruction, students will take a written and performance exam. Once passed, students receive a good-for-life Level 1 certification.
For RVTI Level 2 training, students are paid to travel to Indiana or Florida to develop theoretical knowledge of all the systems and components within an RV, the company said, including propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator and chassis. They will be able to perform basic diagnostics, troubleshooting and repairs on those systems and components. After passing a written and performance exam, students will earn their Level 2 certification, which lasts for five years.
General RV plans to introduce Level 3 and Level 4/Master Technician certification courses as employees advance through the program.
