From Camper to Certified RV Technician | Willie’s Hands-On Training Experience at the NRVTA

For Willie of Poplarville, Mississippi, camping isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of life. He and his wife have spent countless weekends exploring the outdoors and enjoying the RV lifestyle. But when Willie realized how valuable it would be to understand the inner workings of his RV, he decided to take the next step and enroll at the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) in Athens, Texas.

“I started with the home study course,” Willie said. “After going through that, I decided to come down here to take the Fundamentals class in person.”

That decision opened the door to a whole new level of knowledge — and a plan for the future.

From Camper to Certified RV Technician - Willie’s Hands-On Training Experience at the NRVTA

A Learning Journey in Stages

Willie attended NRVTA’s RV Fundamentals Course in June of 2022 and returned in June of 2023 to continue his education. Because he still works full-time, he’s completing the program in phases, taking two-week courses as his schedule allows.

“I can’t do it all at once,” he explained. “I have a full-time job, but as soon as I retire, I plan to finish everything and take this further as a supplemental income for my retirement.”

For Willie, NRVTA isn’t just a school — it’s an investment in his future. “This training is going to let me do something I love while still earning money when I retire,” he said. “Plus, I get to keep learning and helping others who own RVs.”

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Hands-On Learning That Makes a Difference

Like many NRVTA students, Willie values the school’s emphasis on hands-on training. “You do your book work in class, but then you get to go out and do it yourself,” he said. “That’s where you really learn. The hands-on is wonderful — that’s where everything clicks.”

The NRVTA campus includes fully equipped labs where students can work directly with real RV systems, including electrical, propane, water, and refrigeration. “The instructors and TAs are great,” Willie said. “They teach you everything, and they’re all so polite, patient, and knowledgeable.”

This practical approach ensures that graduates not only understand how systems work but also know how to diagnose and repair them confidently — whether for personal use or professional work.

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A Path Toward Retirement Freedom

Willie plans to use his training as a supplemental retirement career, combining his love for camping with his new technical skills. He envisions traveling with his wife, enjoying their retirement years, and helping others keep their RVs in top shape along the way.

“I plan to take this further when I retire,” he said. “We’ll travel, and I can work as needed. It’s the best of both worlds.”

He encourages anyone with an RV — or an interest in learning more about them — to consider the NRVTA. “If you own an RV, come here,” he said. “Even if you’re not planning on making a career out of it, just come for your own knowledge. You’ll learn a lot, and you’ll enjoy it.”

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About the National RV Training Academy

Located in Athens, Texas, the National RV Training Academy is the premier hands-on training facility for RV owners, technicians, and inspectors. Students can start from home with the RV Home Study Course or attend in person for advanced training, including certification through the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) or the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA).

The academy’s combination of classroom education and lab-based training ensures students are fully prepared to maintain, repair, and inspect RVs confidently. Many graduates go on to start their own mobile businesses or use their skills for personal independence — just like Willie.

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Investing in Knowledge and Freedom

For Willie Shows, NRVTA has provided more than education — it’s created opportunity. “The instructors are wonderful,” he said. “You learn so much more when you can do the hands-on work. This has been one of the best experiences I’ve had.”

As he continues his training, Willie looks forward to a future filled with travel, freedom, and the satisfaction of helping other RVers enjoy the same.

To learn more about NRVTA programs, visit NRVTA.com or call (903) 386-0444.