An RV technician training program is coming to Indiana’s Westville Correctional Facility through a partnership with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and the state’s Department of Correction.
The certification and training program is a “hands-on and competency-based” opportunity for students to earn RVTI technician status. Students will receive training on hand tools, power tools, material handling, workplace communication and basic employability skills. Additionally, those who complete the course will receive an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certification and a Site Safety Certification.
“The RV industry is growing like we have never seen before. And that means there is a lot of opportunity for a career as an RV technician here in Indiana and across the country,” RVTI Executive Director Curt Hemmeler said. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Indiana Department of Correction to provide this training to the students at the Westville Correctional Facility.”
Program graduates will participate in the Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) program. The course offers job readiness training, such as resume development, interviewing, job application assistance, employment assessments, financial literacy and budgeting, computer/digital literacy, employability skills and workplace conflict resolution. RVTI stated HIRE representatives will work with returning citizens and potential employers in the RV industry for job placement.
“We are excited to be able to offer training in the growing RV industry to our incarcerated population, to help prepare them for success when re-entering local communities,” said Chris Blessinger, the Westville Correctional Facility’s deputy commissioner of re-entry and youth services.
The RVTI curriculum is divided into four training levels that cover theory and application, specialties training and troubleshooting. Each training level builds on the foundation of the previous level, teaching technicians how to diagnose, maintain and repair RV systems and components.
A technician will be deemed a Level 1, 2, 3 or Level 4 technician based on completion of the designated levels and the ability to successfully demonstrate required knowledge and skills, RVTI stated.
