RV Technical Institute Sparks Student Interest In Skilled Trades Through Innovative Partnership

The RV Technical Institute has partnered with Windish RV Center and Littleton Public Schools to introduce high school students to the in-demand RV technician career. This innovative program, hosted at Littleton Public Schools' EPIC Campus, offers students hands-on experience and a potential pathway to a rewarding career.

EPIC Campus, which stands for Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers, provides students with immersive learning experiences in various fields, including aerospace, health sciences, and construction trades. By incorporating RVTI's Level 1 curriculum, the program now introduces students to the seven RV systems: propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis.

"This partnership exemplifies the growing importance of skilled trades education," says Justin Rickett, the Institute’s Senior Manager of Recruitment. "We are not only helping to address the critical shortage of RV technicians but also providing students with valuable skills and career opportunities."

“Windish RV is thrilled to partner with the EPIC Campus to bring the RVTI curriculum to high school students in Colorado,” adds Windish RV Center President Whitney Holtz. “This is the first time RVTI Level 1 curriculum has been offered to high school students, allowing them to get their Level 1 certification before they even graduate. It is a great opportunity for high school students to learn about a career that is in high demand and receive the training they need to jumpstart their career.”

“In June 2024, EPIC Campus was thrilled to host our inaugural class of RVTI for high school students,” remarks Travis Amonson, the Principal of the EPIC Campus. “Students were as excited as the staff members for this unique opportunity. Marc Finer, the EPIC Campus Construction Trades Instructor, attended RVTI Level 1 Training in Indiana in preparation of bringing this program to our students.  This all started with a conversation between EPIC Campus and Whitney Holtz, President of Windish RV Center in Colorado, to try to fill workforce needs related to technicians. The EPIC Campus is grateful for industry partners like Windish RV Center and the RV Technical Institute who are considering new ways to find incredible employees.”

The inaugural Level 1 training session, attended by eight junior and senior high school students, potentially marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration. The RV Technical Institute aims to expand its involvement with EPIC Campus and encourages other RV industry companies to support this initiative. Furthermore, EPIC has plans to develop the program into a semester-long course offering by 2025.

This collaboration serves as a model for how educational institutions and the skilled trades can work together to cultivate the next generation of service technicians. By providing early exposure to RV systems and hands-on training, this program empowers students to explore fulfilling careers in a thriving industry.

If you would like to learn how to become involved in partnerships like these, please reach out to the RV Technical Institute's Senior Manager of Recruitment, Justin Rickett, at jrickett@rvti.org.