RV Technical Institute (RVTI) constantly aims to usher more RV technicians into the industry. High school students exploring career paths are a key segment the institute focuses on.
One way RVTI attracts students is by attending events such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) conference. The association assists counselors in supporting students’ academic, career and social/emotional development to achieve success. This year’s conference began Saturday and runs through Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri.
The event gathers more than 6,000 middle and high school counselors and administrators across the nation. For the past four years, RVTI has connected with counselors at the event. The institute educates counselors on the RV industry and its job openings.
RVTI Executive Director Curt Hemmeler said, “We want to be there to educate them (educators) about the opportunities to their students beyond a traditional route of going to a community college or a four-year institute.”
In addition to educating counselors on RV industry career options, the institute also collaborates with schools to integrate RVTI curriculums at high schools. Gaining certification before high school graduation supports students in securing a job at a dealership and saves the hiring dealer training costs.
Blue Compass RV will attend the event alongside RVTI for the second consecutive year. The dealer will provide a Type C motorhome from Lifestyle RV in Kansas City. The motorhome will be on display in RVTI’s booth, where organization members will provide vehicle tours.
Blue Compass President, CEO and founder Jon Ferrando said, “This is an incredible opportunity to get our message out to the next generation of RV technicians, show them the tremendous opportunities that await them in the RV industry and build strong partnerships with school counselors and their schools across the country.”
The event additionally provides an opportunity to market and sell RVs to attendees.
Hemmeler said, “We are providing insight into our industry that a lot of folks do not realize are there.”
