The RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation (RVWACF) announced the successful completion of its first Female RV Systems class of 2025.
This class, in partnership with Fleming College of Peterborough, Ontario, has been in the works for over a year with help from Stacey and Al Robinson of Great Canadian RV. The RVWACF said it is proud of its success for the fifteen women who completed the course and is eager to possibly provide more classes in the future to enrich its Canadian membership base.
The partnership between RV Women’s Alliance and Fleming College was the first of its kind in Ontario specifically designed to help women expand their knowledge of RV Systems. The class was developed in coordination with Fleming’s new two-year accredited program in RV, marine and small engine service aimed at servicing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these respective industries. The 15-person class garnered much attention and had a waiting list to attend.
“In reviewing our All-Female Tech Course that we began in 2021, it was apparent that we had the opportunity to bridge the knowledge gaps between the technician side and operations side of the industry,” said Jessica Rider, RV Technical Institute (RVTI) Master Certified Technician, owner of Pull Through Sites Mobile RV Repair and instructor of the RVWACF RV Systems Courses. “Through this newly revised course we are educating women on the basics of RV systems so they may deepen their knowledge and provide additional value to their companies. We have taken the gold standard curriculum that RVTI offers and combined it with deeper knowledge of how each piece of the curriculum applies to the daily functions of each participant who takes the class.”
The course received praise for its curriculum combining classroom learning, real-life scenarios and hands-on training in a brand-new lab designed specifically for RV and small engine courses at Fleming College. The students received expert instruction from seasoned professionals, ensuring they were equipped with the latest industry techniques and knowledge.
One participant said, “It was fantastic to connect and discuss the industry with other like-minded women. Jessica was an excellent teacher, and it was evident that she had vast hands-on experience in the field. This was a valuable experience, and I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend to do so!”
Jessica Prazeres, fixed operations manager for Sicard RV in Smithville, Ontario, said, “I recently had the pleasure of taking a course through RVWA, and I couldn’t be more impressed. A huge thank you to Jessica Rider, our instructor, whose expertise and passion made the entire experience exceptional. Jessica’s teaching style was engaging, making even the most complex topics easy to grasp. She created a supportive learning environment that encouraged participation, and her ability to break down difficult concepts was second to none. The curriculum itself was top-notch, well-structured and thoughtfully designed, ensuring that we not only understood the material but also gained practical skills that will last well beyond the course. It’s clear that RVWA is committed to offering high-quality training, and I truly believe this course is a prime example of that. I only wish there were more opportunities like this one. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have participated. Thank you again, Jessica, for your outstanding instruction, and thank you to RVWA for providing such a fantastic learning experience. Keep up the great work!”
Taking the Course to the Next Level
The revamped RV Systems course, which launched in January 2025, aims to create an empowering space for women to explore and thrive in the rapidly growing RV industry. Throughout the course, participants gained hands-on experience in RV systems, learning the technical skills necessary to complement their daily duties. The course is ideal for women at any level but especially for those in parts, warranty, tech service, customer service, etc. and helps participants understand the basics of how electricity, water, and propane flow in an RV in addition to understanding the basics of appliances, generators, body, and chassis.
The success of this program is part of the RVWACF’s larger strategy to educate women in all areas of the RV Industry, offering training programs designed to equip women with the skills to excel. With its emphasis on enhancing skillsets, leadership development, mentorship, peer support, and networking opportunities, the RVWACF is empowering women to develop deeper knowledge while bridging gaps currently faced within the industry.
Looking Ahead
RVWA is already planning to expand its RV Systems program to accommodate even more students in the coming months, with OEM training later this month, an evening class this June, and dealership expansion across the United States. RVWACF is exploring partnerships with RV manufacturers, suppliers, dealerships, and service centers to provide opportunities to host and/or sponsor classes.
“We are excited to offer this revamped training to women of the industry because it allows the RVWACF to not only further our mission of education but make a serious impact on the gaps between sectors of the industry.” Jessica continued, “the women in this first class were excited to understand the fundamentals so they could work in partnership with the technicians in their dealerships to service units faster instead of continuing to hit walls when it came to processing claims and service tickets. Bringing this course to all sectors of the industry allows RVWA to create deeper partnerships and begin to help overcome the challenges faced at every level of ensuring customers continue to come back to the RV industry over and over again.”
The RVWA Charitable Foundation said it is proud of the continued growth and success of this innovative program and to contribute to solutions for knowledge gaps and educational opportunities for women in the RV Industry.
For more information on the RV Systems program with the RVWACF or to learn about upcoming courses, visit RVWA or contact info@rvwa.org.
