Father and Son Find a New Path Together | Steve and Matthew’s Journey at the NRVTA

When Steve Harris first discovered the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA), he was simply looking for a way to better understand his RV. What he didn’t expect was that it would lead to a shared experience with his son—and the beginning of a new family venture.

“I first heard about NRVTA about two years ago,” Steve said. “At the time, they were offering the Home Study Course on a thumb drive. I bought it, went through it, and thought, ‘This is interesting—but it’d be even better if I could get hands-on training.’”

Father and Son Find a New Path Together | Steve and Matthew’s Journey at the NRVTA

Discovering NRVTA in Person

That thought led Steve to Athens, Texas, in April 2022, where he took NRVTA’s RV Fundamentals Course.

“I didn’t want to go home,” he said with a laugh. “I was learning so much. It gave me the opportunity to do things I never would’ve dared to try on my own rig before. I finally understood how systems worked instead of just guessing.”

NRVTA’s Fundamentals course is designed for both RV owners and those pursuing certification. Over one week, students learn the core systems found in every RV—electrical, propane, plumbing, refrigeration, and air conditioning—through a mix of classroom lessons and hands-on labs.

For Steve, the hands-on experience made all the difference. “It’s not theory—it’s practice,” he said. “You’re actually fixing things, testing systems, and understanding how everything connects. It’s the best kind of education.”

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A Father-Son Decision

When Steve’s son Matthew turned 18, he saw an opportunity to share something meaningful. “I said, ‘Hey, I have an idea. You want to go together?’” Steve recalled.

Matthew agreed, though he admits he was a bit nervous. “I had less than two months of RV experience, and most of that was here at the school,” he said. “I didn’t know what five weeks of training would be like.”

But it didn’t take long for Matthew to feel at home. “The instructors were fantastic,” he said. “The hands-on training made everything click. You get a tremendous amount of information and a ton of support. It’s intense but incredibly rewarding.”

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Learning Side by Side

Together, Steve and Matthew completed NRVTA’s five-week Certified RV Technician Program, a comprehensive series of courses that build advanced diagnostic and repair skills. Students learn to service major RV systems, troubleshoot complex electrical issues, and prepare for professional certification through the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA).

“For the value—both in price paid and time spent—you’re not going to find better education anywhere,” Matthew said.

Steve agreed. “There’s a huge demand for RV inspectors and repair technicians,” he explained. “You can walk out of here ready to start your own business. And for RV owners, the knowledge alone is invaluable.”

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A Rare and Rewarding Experience

The experience wasn’t just about career training—it was about family. “I got to do something that very few fathers ever get to do,” Steve said. “I got to spend five weeks learning side-by-side with my son. It’s been a fantastic journey.”

The two plan to use their training to launch a family-run mobile RV service business, offering inspection and repair services in San Antonio and surrounding areas. “We both love working with our hands and helping people,” Steve said. “Now we get to do it together.”

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The NRVTA Advantage

Located in Athens, Texas, the National RV Training Academy is the nation’s leading school for hands-on RV education. Its programs prepare students to become certified technicians and inspectors, with credentials recognized by the RVTAA and National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA).

Courses include:

• RV Fundamentals – An introduction to RV systems for owners and aspiring techs.
• Certified RV Technician Program – A five-week path to professional certification.
• RV Inspector Training – A program for those who want to perform detailed RV evaluations.

Each combines technical training with practical application, ensuring graduates leave with both knowledge and confidence.

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A Shared Future on the Road

For Steve and Matthew, NRVTA was more than just a school—it was a new chapter in life. “It’s given us both confidence, skills, and a path forward,” Matthew said. “I came here nervous, but I’m leaving ready to start something real.”

Steve added, “The NRVTA isn’t just teaching us how to fix RVs—it’s teaching us how to build a future. And doing it together as father and son has made it unforgettable.”