The following is courtesy of the RV Industry Association, which wrote about a new partnership struck between the RV Technical Institute and the Indiana Department of Correction.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) has recently partnered with the Indiana Department of Correction to pilot an RV technician training program at the Indiana Westville Correctional Facility. This program is a hands-on, competency-based program designed by subject matter experts. These industry experts from across the RV industry have identified the key areas of required knowledge and expertise needed to develop a well-rounded, practical training and certification program.
Additionally, the pilot program also provides students with training on hand tools, power tools, material handling, communication in the workplace, and basic employability skills. In addition to an RVTI Level 1 certification, each student to successfully complete the course will also receive an OSHA 10 certification and a Site Safety Certification.
“The RV industry is growing like we have never seen before. And that means there is a lot of opportunity for a career as an RV technician here in Indiana and across the country,” said RV Technical Institute Executive Director Curt Hemmeler. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Indiana Department of Correction to provide this training to the students at the Westville Correctional Facility.”
Deputy Commissioner of Re-Entry and Youth Services, Chris Blessinger, echoed Hemmeler’s enthusiasm: “We are excited to be able to offer training in the growing RV industry to our incarcerated population to help prepare them for success when re-entering local communities.”
The RVTI curriculum is divided into four levels of training and proficiency covering theory and application, specialties training, and troubleshooting. Each level of training builds on the foundation of the previous level, teaching technicians how to diagnose, maintain, and repair RV systems and components. From here, technicians can increase their proficiency through specialized training courses.
A technician will be deemed a Level 1, 2, 3, or Level 4 technician based on completion of the designated levels and the ability to successfully demonstrate the required knowledge and skills.
Graduates of the program will also participate in the Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) program. The program offers job readiness training, such as resume development, interviewing, job application assistance, employment assessments, financial literacy and budgeting, computer/digital literacy, employability skills and workplace conflict resolution. HIRE representatives will work directly with the returning citizen and potential employers in the RV industry for job placement.