WIXOM, Mich., July 5, 2023 – General RV Center, the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) and the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) are helping more women get involved in the RV industry with an all-female technician training session.
A dozen women will be attending the class from July 10 – 14 at the RV Technical Institute headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. The weeklong class will teach students the seven RV systems, including propane, plumbing, electrical, appliances, generators, body and chassis, providing the working knowledge necessary to perform pre-delivery inspections. After completing the course and passing the final exams, women will earn a good-for-life certification to prepare an RV for customer delivery.
“We are excited to partner with RVWA and RVTI to support essential training and skills to inspire more women to succeed in our industry and grow in their careers,” said Laura Dobbs, General RV Service and Customer Experience Director. “There is no denying that the RV industry needs more certified technicians in general, but inspiring women to join the industry allows us to diversify our workforce. Women bring a high level of attention to detail and a new perspective on how we provide quality service for our customers.”
In 2022, RVWA and RVTI coordinated the first-ever, all-female technician class to encourage more women to join the growing number of female RV technicians and service advisors. With 72 million Americans planning to take an RV trip over the next year, there is more demand and opportunity for skilled RV technicians than ever before.
“A significant area of opportunity on the recruitment front is attracting more women into the RV technician field,” said Tracy Anglemeyer, RV Technical Institute Director of Recruitment and RV Women’s Alliance Board Member. “The RV Technical Institute and the RV Women’s Alliance are very aligned in the value we place on education and providing the skills to people in our industry to succeed and grow in their careers. The support from General RV allows us to make an even bigger impact.”
Women are influencing the RV industry beyond service as there has been an uptick in female RV owners in recent years. According to a survey of 800 leisure travelers from the RV Industry Association, which represents hundreds of RV manufacturers and suppliers, women who said they own an RV jumped from 11% in 2021 to 17% in 2022 and 24% in 2023. RVWA believes that having female advisors within the technician field can set new RV owners at ease, making their service experience more comfortable and less intimidating.
“We are thrilled and grateful for the support from General RV Center for our all-women RV technician class, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity and growth,” says Susan Carpenter, President of the RV Women’s Alliance. “By working together, we are able to not only elevate the industry but also cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce that is better prepared to meet the service needs of today’s RVers.”
About General RV
Founded in Michigan in 1962, General RV Center is the nation’s premier, largest family-owned RV dealer. The company operates 14 full-service dealerships in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Utah and Pennsylvania. Each location offers a large selection of RVs for sale, RV service facilities and retail RV parts and accessories. Visit GeneralRV.com for more information.
About the RV Technical Institute
The RV Technical Institute is the gold standard of RV technician training, providing the only industry-backed training curriculum and RV technician certification and career path. This hands-on, competency-based program was created by subject matter experts from the supplier, manufacturer, dealer, and independent technician segments of the RV industry. Classes are available through a self-paced online program or in person at the Elkhart, IN headquarters as well as at partner locations across the country. Learn more at rvti.org.
About the RV Women’s Alliance
Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance purpose is to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the RV industry a place where women thrive. Open to anyone in the RV industry who supports our mission, the Alliance has more than 1,500 members from more than 500 companies. The Alliance is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with leadership based across the United States. Learn more at rvwa.org.
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