To train thousands of RV service technicians annually, RV Technical Institute (RVTI) leaders knew they had to reach beyond the walls of RVTI’s Elkhart, Indiana, facility. RVTI created authorized learning partners (ALPs) to bring training to dealers’ doorsteps.
ALPs join a network of regional training partners approved to deliver RVTI’s training on a local or regional basis. Partners have access to RVTI’s full technician curriculum, course materials, learning management system (LMS) and the first attempt at testing.
ALPs receive ongoing trainer training on the service training curriculum, delivery and labs, and tracking their students’ progress.
General RV Training and Communications Manager, Fixed Ops Erin Stover said becoming an ALP was a straightforward process. She said her dealership completed paperwork, joined a video conference with RVTI’s team and completed the “Train the Trainer” course.
Greg Dewalt, Great American RV Superstores’ fixed operations education director, said his dealership became an ALP and uses the training for all their technicians.
“It has been a great asset for our company, specifically, but I think for the whole industry,” Dewalt said. “We have one place we can go to that is supported by the whole industry.”
Dewalt said Great American uses the RVTI training materials for techs, service managers and service writers. He said having knowledgeable staff greatly helps when assisting consumers.
“I think it is a good foundation for any dealership to have in their back pocket, no matter what position,” Dewalt said. “Especially any of the forward-facing positions who are talking to consumers.”
Stover said General RV adapted RVTI’s training materials to fit its training timeline. The dealership offers the training to techs across its 22 locations.
“New technicians receive RVTI training as part of their 90-day onboarding process,” Stover said. “More experienced technicians can enroll in targeted RVTI courses for Level 1 or Level 2 training to enhance their skills and earn their certifications.”
Stover said the training is highly relevant, providing the techs with hands-on, practical knowledge they can apply immediately. She said the training results in better-skilled employees who can deliver higher-quality service.
She said being an ALP helps General RV maintain a structured approach to employee development, creating a clear path for career growth through certifications.
“The structure allows us to keep our workforce skilled, motivated and aligned with industry standards,” Stover said. “It ultimately improves our overall operations and customer satisfaction.”
For more information on becoming a RVTI ALP, visit www.rvti.org/get-trained/training-partners.
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