RV Technical Institute (RVTI) plans to conduct a research study on RV technician needs nationwide. The study will help determine how RVTI programs can best meet the needs of the industry.
The study, developed in conjunction with Cairn Consulting Group, will investigate perceptions among those impacted by RVTI’s training programs. The core groups include RV dealership owners and principals, RV service managers and current and prospective RV technicians. Results from the study are expected this spring.
“The RV Technical Institute aims to be the industry leader for data on RV technicians and their training needs,” RVTI Executive Director Curt Hemmeler said. “The future of this program depends on building a program not only based on where we know the industry needs to go, but also on the realities and needs of the RV industry today.”
The research will gather insights and data from key constituencies. For dealer owners and principals, the research will seek to determine views about investment in training and technician certifications. It will also explore the need for incentives such as scholarship programs or grants.
“The dealer input sought in this study is critical to providing valuable information on recruiting, retaining and training new RV techs,” RVDA President and RV Technical Institute board member Phil Ingrassia said. “The results of the study will also provide dealers with benchmarks they can use for evaluating training for their current techs.”
Surveys of service managers will examine views on training, certification, gaps and anticipated future needs.
Current RV technicians will be surveyed to explore their tenure in the industry, demographics, views on training and certification and commitment to staying in the industry. It will also ask if incentives needed for engaging in further training or certification and explore gaps in experience.
The research will include surveys to determine the key demographics of prospective RV technicians as well as identify barriers to entry into the industry, whether it is lack of interest, language barriers or access to resources for training.
This initiative is based on the RVTI’s goal of being a data-driven organization and growing the number of trained RV technicians. For more information on RVTI programs and initiatives, click here.
