Launching the Next Generation: RV Technical Institute and Littleton Public Schools Kick Off High School RV Tech Program

On Wednesday, October 8, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and Littleton Public Schools celebrated a major milestone: the official launch of the inaugural high school RV technician certification program at the district’s state-of-the-art EPIC Campus.

The achievement was showcased at a successful RV Industry Open House, drawing over 100 engaged parents, students, faculty, and school board members eager to explore the new career path.

This collaboration is far more than a new course offering; it’s a strategic move to strengthen the entire RV industry by creating a vital pipeline of well-trained, certified young professionals. By incorporating RVTI's technician training curriculum into the high school's career and technical education center, Littleton is directly addressing the industry’s need for skilled service technicians.

For local businesses like Windish RV, the program represents a crucial investment in their future workforce. Russell Young, Service Manager of Windish RV’s Lakewood, CO, location, highlighted the quality of the emerging talent.

“The RVTI technician training program implemented at EPIC helps Windish RV by providing students who are well-trained with not only the basic skills of RV repair but also how to engage with people,” said Young. “It’s super exciting to have them come and apply for tech positions. These young students look you in the eye while speaking, they listen, they are polite, and they are extremely excited for their future.”

The Open House was an ideal platform for connecting students directly with the industry they can soon join. Local RV suppliers, dealers, and manufacturers stepped up to showcase their products, services, and the career opportunities available to future graduates. The event also sparked key discussions about apprenticeship opportunities for EPIC students—paving a clear path from the classroom to a professional career.

The enthusiastic support from leading industry players underscored the significance of the partnership. Attendees got an up-close look at the technology that powers the RV lifestyle, with Windish RV, TOURIG, and VanWorks displaying popular RV models that were a definite hit with the students. Grand Design RV further demonstrated its commitment by generously donating an RV to the EPIC Campus for hands-on student training.

RVTI extends its sincere thanks to the following suppliers who attended the Open House, demonstrating their investment in training the next generation:

• Thetford / Norcold
• Aqua-Hot
• Trek Systems
• Dometic Go Power!
• Dragonfly Energy
• Carefree of Colorado
• Lippert
• MTI Industries
• Harvest Host
• TOURIG
• VanWorks
• Garnet Instruments
• Windish RV

This partnership is set to be a model for how high school programs can align with industry demand, ensuring a vibrant future for both students and the growing RV community. The first pilot program of students graduated earlier this year, and the official launch of classes will begin in January at the start of the new semester.

The course will provide EPIC’s students with a solid foundation and understanding of an RV technician’s responsibilities, giving them a career advantage and also helping the wider RV industry.

“We have a large sector of RV dealers in Colorado, especially in the metro area. I never even knew it was a career path until we were approached, and now we see that it really ties into our construction trades pathway,” says Marc Finer, Construction Trades Pathway Lead at Littleton Public Schools EPIC Campus. “RVs have HVAC, carpentry, and all of the different systems. Our students are looking at it as a great career path where they’re not doing just one thing. They’re really excited when they learn that every day there will be something different. Once they achieve RVTI’s Level 1 certification, we can also start to teach them Level 2, so then once they get hired in the RV industry, they’ll already be partway through their Level 2 training. That puts these students at an advantage in landing a job.”

“It’s also an advantage to the employer because these students already have insight into an RV technician’s responsibilities,” adds Marc. “They’ve already spent a semester taking this class and maybe even completed an internship with one of the dealers. As a result, the employer knows these students are more likely to commit to the RV technician path.”

For its part, the RV Technical Institute is eager to see students begin embracing the RV service technician career through the EPIC program. 

“We appreciate the industry partners who participated in this groundbreaking event,” says Justin Rickett, RV Technical Institute’s Senior Manager of Recruitment. “Launching this RV technician certification program at the EPIC Campus helps connect the next generation with a rewarding career as an RV service technician. This allows the students to experience a fulfilling occupation they may not have been aware of previously, and also helps shorten the repair event cycle time and get RVers back on the road to their destinations more quickly. We’re excited to see this course’s success going forward.”

All photos courtesy of Littleton Public Schools.