Mobile RV Tech Says RVTI Made Her a ‘Better Technician’ – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
The RV Technical Institute’s (RVTI) gold standard technician training program is a hands-on, competency-based program designed by Institute staff and subject matter experts from all sectors of the RV industry, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). It provides the only industry-backed training curriculum and RV technician certification and career path. Ultimately, the program aims to increase the number of certified RV technicians and help get RVers back out on the road.
One of the students who has completed the RVTI’s entire course is Carol Jackson, an experienced mobile RV service technician with 35 years of experience in the mechanical trades.
Jackson is a Level 4 Master Technician. Here’s what she has to say about the RVTI’s curriculum.
What initially drew you to the RV Technical Institute?
I’ve been doing this in the RV sphere for going on 10 years now. I started my training process back when it was the RV Dealers Association/RV Industry Association Technician Certification Program. I achieved my Level 2 just before it transitioned into the RV Technical Institute and the program was paused while you were initiating your programming and training.
What drew me to it was the fact that I was already invested in training, furthering my career, and seeking as much knowledge as I could so that I could hone my craft. That thirst for knowledge is how I got to where I’m at now.
Can you tell me about your training experience? What parts did you find most beneficial, and why?
The most helpful part of the training is the hands-on opportunities. There’s only so much you can absorb in a classroom environment without actually putting it into practice.
I’ve been in the mechanical trades for 35 years and have been taking technical training that entire time for every step of those. It’s best to learn in a more controlled environment— that’s where the hands-on part of the training really comes into play. In a classroom environment, you can learn the practical parts and then you can physically practice it right there. If you mess up there’s no real harm. You can learn from those mistakes; you can learn to connect the pieces between the knowledge and the hands-on. I think it makes you a better technician.
Why did you want to become a master technician?
I’ve been in the mechanical trades for so long in all my careers, and being a woman in those kinds of industries makes me feel the need to be one of the best. I’ve always felt like I’ve had to prove myself.
In my first career I spent 15 years in the automotive industry. I spent all of that time working in dealerships, and every step along the way I had obstacles. I had to show that I was as equal or better than my peers. The experience created a drive in me to continue showing that.
I’ve applied that to my skillset here in the RV industry, even though those obstacles really don’t exist as much. Being a woman in this industry has been probably the most refreshing part of my 35-year career in mechanical trades.
That being said, I still have that drive to be equal to (or better than) my peers, and so becoming a master technician is a huge accomplishment for me.
How has your RV Technical Institute training helped your career as an RV technician?
It has given me the tools that I’ve needed, the mental acuity, and the hands-on training. All of it has made me a better technician.
I couldn’t be here, out here on my own and owning my own company, if I didn’t have the training and the education that the RV Technical Institute has allowed me to get. You can’t be a good technician, one who serves their clients properly, without the training that the RV Technical Institute provides.
It’s been really great. I finally feel like I’m one of the leading competitors in the area, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming in the future.
