RV Women’s Alliance And RV Technical Institute Partner For All-Women’s Course In Hershey, PA

On September 9th-13th, the RV Women’s Alliance hosted its third Level 1 all-female course for the year in Hershey, PA, in partnership with the RV Technical Institute. The course coincided with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association’s Hershey RV Show. The trainees attended training sessions at Hershey Lodge before participating in hands-on learning using a travel trailer at the RV show.

“The all-women’s courses have been instrumental in increasing the amount of interest among women looking to become RV technicians,” says the RV Technical Institute’s Executive Director Curt Hemmeler. “We’ve happy that our partnership with the RV Women’s Alliance is providing women with this educational opportunity and more women are embarking on the RV technician career path armed with the necessary knowledge to build a successful and rewarding career.” 

The weeklong course was instructed by the RV Technical Institute’s Director of Education, Bill Stewart, and attended by eight women. It is the final all-women’s Level 1 training session being offered in 2024, but more are in the works for next year. 

“The women have a dedication to the RV industry, and a burning desire to learn,” says Bill. “I like to see when the lightbulb turns on and their questions show me that they know and understand. Our goal at the RV Technical Institute is to train technicians, and we have had several success stories working with the women who attend these training sessions through the RV Women’s Alliance. I’m sure we will have many more!”

Bill adds that he has had the opportunity to be the trainer at all of the all-women’s courses hosted by the RV Women’s Alliance. “The relationship between the RV Technical Institute and the RV Women’s Alliance is awesome. The women that I have trained come into the training sessions with a great attitude. It is truly an honor and a privilege to train these learners in partnership with the RV Women’s Alliance.”

The course’s final day was September 13th, 2024, at the Hershey Lodge, where the attendees completed their testing. In the RV Technical Institute’s Level 1 curriculum, current and future RV techs learn about and demonstrate knowledge of Propane, Electrical, Plumbing, Appliances, Body, Generator, and Chassis systems. A learner who successfully completes the training will have a proven skill set to prepare an RV for customer delivery by verifying the operation of all components.

Several attendees expressed enthusiasm for the course and the opportunity to learn in a comfortable environment with other women. “I’m using my knowledge to teach other women how to take care of their campers, and also to expand my knowledge and be able to take care of my own camper,” said Stephanie Lemma, the State Guide for Girl Camper Pennsylvania. “It’s been a great experience. Bill Stewart is a fantastic instructor!”

Her sentiments are shared by Theresa Leppert, who is also a Girl Camper Guide: “I’m a member of Girl Camper and I host events in my area. I want to be able to teach other women how to maintain their RVs and eventually I’d like to have a mobile technician business.” 

Like Theresa, fellow attendee Holly Blake also has plans for a mobile technician business. She spends a significant amount of time on the road with her family, and, after learning about the training through the RV Women’s Alliance, thought the all-women’s course would be beneficial. “Taking the course gives me the opportunity to earn income on the road as a tech.”

Two of the other attendees, Allison and Devyn, are employed in the RV industry and plan to use the information from the course to help them continue succeeding in their respective roles. 

“The course is very informative,” says Allison Volpe, a Service Advisor at Campers Inn (an Authorized Learning Partner with the RV Technical Institute.) She adds that she chose the RV Technical Institute to help her advance her career. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to help more customers.”  

Likewise, Devyn Cady, a Production Assistant, also found the course helpful. “It’s been really informative! I’m taking notes that I’ll definitely be bringing back with me and using. It’ll be nice to have a better understanding,” she says. Devyn adds that she also learned about the course through her supervisor, who is involved with the RV Women’s Alliance, and thought it would be a great opportunity to enhance her knowledge. “I was excited— it felt right!”