The following was an RVIA News & Insights Report.
Two of the RV Technical Institute’s longtime learning partners, Windham School District and Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers, are teaming up to launch the Second Chance educational partnership.
In 2021, the Windham School District — which provides correctional educational services to individuals in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice— first implemented the RV Technical Institute’s Level 1 RV technician training program. This allows those enrolled in Level 1 at Windham to continue building their skillsets while incarcerated and, ultimately, have a second chance at a steady career once they exit the correctional system.
As a result of the Second Chance partnership, those who become Level 1 certified while at Windham are eligible to be hired as an RV technician at Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers, one of the largest RV and marine dealerships in Texas. Individuals who become employed at Ron Hoover will be encouraged to continue their technician training by enrolling in the RV Technical Institute’s Level 2 and Level 3 programs.
“Since opening our doors in Rockport in 1987, Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers has always believed in the power of new beginnings, and in building strong teams by investing in people and their potential,” said Chris Hoover, president of RV & Marine Centers. “That philosophy has helped us grow from one location to 21 across Texas and Oklahoma. So, when Windham School District approached us about partnering to give individuals a second chance, we knew it was the right fit.”
“Through the Level 1 RV Technical Institute training program provided by Windham School District, participants gain the foundational skills needed to begin a career in the RV industry, and we’re proud to provide a path where they can put those skills to work,” said Thomas Richardson, vice president of parts and service. “Just as important, we want to support them in building lasting careers, not just jobs, as they re-enter the workforce with confidence and purpose. That’s why having an in-house RV Technical Institute instructor is such a benefit: Windham provides the foundation, and we carry their training forward, supporting individuals through all stages of the institute’s program.”
“Our partnership with Windham School District is about more than filling roles; it’s about changing lives while strengthening the RV industry with motivated, diverse and skilled talent,” continued Richardson. “Our hope is to continue working with Windham to explore new opportunities in different fields, expanding the reach of this program and creating even more career pathways for the future of our workforce.”
As the partnership launches, the RV Technical Institute is prepared to help facilitate similar partnerships for its other learning partners.
“The partnership between Windham School District and Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers is an exciting way to help individuals in the correctional system develop new skills through the RV Technical Institute’s Level 1 program and, ultimately, establish a career at Ron Hoover,” said Curt Hemmeler, executive director of the RV Technical Institute. “Along with helping increase the number of certified RV technicians, this is a great way to offer these individuals a rewarding career and a new path forward as they reenter the community.”
Hemmeler added: “The RV Technical Institute is willing to help facilitate similar educational partnerships among its other learning partners, which include dealers, schools and public entities. More initiatives like this one would help provide RV technician training to an increased number of individuals, helping to create new career opportunities while fulfilling the ongoing demand for technicians.”
The RV Technical Institute’s learning partner program encompasses a network of regional training partners approved to deliver the RV Technical Institute’s standardized, centrally managed training on a local or regional basis. Partners have access to the RV Technical Institute’s full technician curriculum, course materials, learning management system and the first attempt at testing.
