The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) recently partnered with the Indiana Department of Correction to pilot an RV technician training program in the state’s Westville Correctional Facility.
“I think the guys that are in the first class are going to really succeed,” program instructor Shane Schwartzkopf said. “They are really mechanically inclined. A lot of times in these vocational classes, once you get the tools in their hand, they take off, and I do not have any doubt that is how it is going to be for these 10 guys too.”
The program is a hands-on, competency-based program. Designed by subject matter experts from across the RV industry, key areas of required knowledge and expertise were identified to develop a practical training and certification program.
“The jobs are out there,” said Kenneth Watts, the Westville deputy warden of re-entry. “There are tons of jobs out there, so our hope is that these guys will get the skill sets and be able to get jobs. They will get out there, they will not re-offend, and they will have a successful re-entry back into society.”
