RV Technical Institute Executive Director Curt Hemmeler updated dealers on the current status of certification during the 33rd annual Northern Wholesale Show this week.
RVTI’s first certification class is currently in session with 26 students – 13 of whom come from outside the industry.
“The recruitment was a grassroots effort by our subject area experts (SAEs) that went under the radar,” said Hemmeler.
The inaugural class, comprised of 22 men and four women, is set to finish the course Feb. 28.
Certification is comprised of four levels. Level 1 certification is comprised of pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Level 2 focuses on diagnostic information and troubleshooting, while Level 3 deals with five areas of specialty. These specialties include electrical, chassis, electronics, slide-outs and appliances. Level 4 is about training trainers.
Hemmeler shared there is an aging population of RV technicians that can come and learn how to train-up new technicians. Those trainers could then go back to their geographic arears and lead their own classes.
“The target audience for Level 4 would be master certified technicians,” he explained.
For more information on certification, click here.
The next certification class will begin Feb. 3. Subsequent classes will begin on March 9, April 6, May 18 and June 1.
The first classes will be in Elkhart, but Hemmeler said, “Future classes will be at satellite centers during the summer of 2020.”
Asked how he would measure success at the end of year one, Hemmeler gave several thoughts. “First, we want to get the curriculum right and get some of the bugs out, so to speak. Then we want to get our learning management systems up and running,” said Hemmeler. “The whole board has been working together to support the initiative. Finally, I’d like to find out what the real need or demand is for technicians.”
