Welcome to today’s Girl Camper podcast! We are excited to share our latest episode, featuring Curtis Hemmeler, the Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI). With 74 million Americans planning to take an RV trip in the next year, the demand for skilled RV technicians is skyrocketing.

Curtis joined Lesa McDermott to discuss why now is the perfect time to consider a career as an RV tech. Here's a recap of their conversation.

The RV Technical Institute: A Brief Overview

The RV Technical Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the consumer experience by training, certifying, and recruiting RV technicians. Founded five years ago with a $10 million grant, RVTI has quickly established itself as the industry standard for technician training. Their comprehensive program ensures technicians are well-equipped to handle everything from electrical systems to plumbing and appliances.

The Growing Demand for RV Technicians

Curtis highlighted the increasing demand for RV technicians, driven by a combination of high RV sales and an aging technician population. To meet this demand, RVTI has developed a robust career path that includes four levels of certification, from inspection to master technician.

Empowering Women in the RV Industry

Part of the discussion focused on RVTI's efforts to include and empower women in the RV industry. The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) has sponsored several women-only tech classes, which have been immensely successful. Curtis emphasized that women often excel in these programs due to their attention to detail and compassionate approach to service.

Affordable and Accessible Training

One of the standout points is the affordability of RVTI’s training. Level One and Two courses cost just $600 combined and can be completed in person or online. Scholarships are also available, making it even easier for aspiring technicians to get started.

A Promising Career Path

Whether you’re interested in becoming a mobile tech, working at a dealership, or even just picking up a valuable side hustle, a career as an RV technician offers flexibility, high demand, and significant earning potential.

For those interested in learning more about RVTI’s programs or finding women-specific classes, visit  the RVTI website or the RVWA website.

Thank you for joining us on this episode into the world of RV technicians. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel or podcast channel so you don't miss out on upcoming episodes. Connect with Girl Camper on Facebook and Instagram, and check out all the events Girl Camper guides have lined up. Thank you to this podcast's sponsors: Lippert & Progressive Insurance. For more great tips on maintaining your RV, check out our Camping 101 page. Until next week, happy camping!

https://youtu.be/zEXNM9p0z_s