ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) announced today it has attained the status of a certified licensed education provider from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
TWC is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers in Texas.
Certification opens the door for NRVTA to receive state funding through the Texas Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help prepare people for new careers as RV technicians and inspectors.
“This is the second major recognition we received in six months,” said Terry “Cooper” Cooper, NRVTA president. “In December, the Texas RV Association (TRVA) formally endorsed the training services provided at the academy. Now, with the TWC certification, it confirms we’re on the right track to accomplish great things for the RV industry.
“Attaining certification was an arduous process that required a complete evaluation and enhancement of our training programs,” he explained. “But with this certification, NRVTA becomes the only Texas-sanctioned educational facility providing training for RV owners, technicians and inspectors throughout the United States.
“It signals that our programs are on par with education received at other licensed Texas training centers,” he added. “TWC certification elevates our level of excellence and expertise, and grants us a great deal of credibility for what we are striving to achieve.”
During the certification process, some changes were made to the curriculum as well as processes, policies and procedures at NRVTA.
For example, the academy created the RV Fundamentals Course, an entry-level training class providing insight into systems onboard an RV and how to diagnose problems with a variety of equipment. The course is a prerequisite for all other NRVTA training, and consumers can take that class alongside prospective RV technicians and inspectors.
Other changes inspired by the TWC include establishing college-like numbering for all classes, such as 200-level for initial training and 300-level for advanced classes. The academy also created an official catalog identifying courses corresponding to Texas Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 47-0618 as well as the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) standard occupational classification 49-3092.00 for recreation vehicle service technicians.
In preparing for TWC certification, two other organizations were created to provide credentialling for NRVTA graduates. The National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) certifies professionals who complete training, pass a written exam and conduct two graded inspections of a motorhome and towable RV. The RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) offers three credentials:
- RVTAA Registered RV Technician for people who complete the RV Fundamentals Course and pass a written exam.
- RVTAA Certified RV Technician for those who complete five weeks of courses and pass written and hands-on exams.