ELKHART, Ind. – A pilot program in Elkhart, Ind., designed to bring more women into the recreational vehicle industry has proven successful, and plans are already in place for growth, according to a report by Inside INdiana Business.
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA), based in the St. Joseph County town of Osceola, partnered with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) in Elkhart to establish the first all-female technician’s certification program. RVTI Director of Recruitment Tracy Anglemeyer says the partners sought 12 women for the pilot, but ended up doubling that number after receiving more than 100 applicants.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Anglemeyer said they discovered a barrier to entry into the RV industry for women of which they weren’t previously aware.
Tracy Angelmeyer
“The ladies felt more comfortable in this setting of being with other ladies to ask some questions. They said they never would’ve asked these questions and learn what they did learn if they were in a mixed environment,” said Anglemeyer. “So now, we’re learning a lot…of how to probably teach a little differently or open up the aspect of the room to all questions. The learning that occurs because of the questions that are asked was key to this.”