YouTube to a New Career | How Chris Became an RV Technician with the National RV Training Academy

YouTube to a New Career | How Chris Became an RV Technician with the National RV Training Academy

Sometimes the spark that changes your life comes from an unexpected place — like a YouTube video. For Chris Shark, founder of Up and Running RV, that spark came after watching RV owners and technicians online talk about their experiences at the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA).

Chris had always been mechanically inclined and enjoyed helping others. The more he watched, the more intrigued he became by the idea of learning how to maintain and repair RVs professionally. “I kept seeing people talk about how NRVTA had changed their lives,” Chris said. “They were traveling, working for themselves, and doing something that really mattered. That’s when I knew I had to check it out for myself.”

That decision would lead him to Athens, Texas — home of the National RV Training Academy, the largest hands-on RV training facility in the country.

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Taking the Leap

Chris enrolled at NRVTA with one goal in mind: to build a new career that combined his love for travel, problem-solving, and helping people. From the first week, he was hooked.

The RV Fundamentals course gave him a deep understanding of the systems that keep RVs running — from electrical and water systems to propane, appliances, and safety procedures. “It’s amazing how much you can learn in a week,” Chris said. “The instructors walk you through every step and make sure you understand what you’re doing. By the end of the first week, I was already thinking about how to turn this into a business.”

He followed Fundamentals with advanced technician courses, diving into specialized areas like air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters, and furnaces. Each class added another layer of skill and confidence, preparing him to tackle complex issues and think critically when troubleshooting.

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A Career Built on Real Experience

After completing his training, Chris launched Up and Running RV, a mobile RV repair and inspection business dedicated to helping fellow travelers stay safe and comfortable on the road. His goal is simple: to keep people’s adventures going.

“Most RV owners don’t realize how much preventative maintenance can save them time and money,” Chris explained. “Now I can help them identify issues before they turn into big problems. It’s rewarding to be that person who shows up when someone’s vacation is on hold and gets them back on the road.”

With his training and certification from the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA), Chris is now part of a growing network of professional technicians across the country.

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The National RV Training Academy Advantage

Located in Athens, Texas, the National RV Training Academy offers one of the most respected and comprehensive hands-on training programs in the RV industry. Students can live in their own RVs on campus while learning everything from basic maintenance to complex system repairs.

NRVTA’s instructors — including well-known trainer Todd Henson — bring years of industry experience and teach with a real-world approach. Every class combines classroom instruction with lab work, ensuring that graduates leave ready to work immediately in the field.

The academy partners with the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) and RVTAA to provide industry-recognized certifications. These credentials open doors to jobs at dealerships, service centers, and mobile repair companies — or even allow graduates to start their own businesses, like Chris did.

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A Growing Industry with Room for Everyone

With more than 11 million RV owners in the United States and a shortage of qualified service professionals, now is one of the best times to enter the RV service and inspection industry. NRVTA graduates often find work immediately, and many choose the flexibility of running mobile RV repair businesses that allow them to travel and set their own schedules.

For Chris, that freedom was a big part of the appeal. “I didn’t just want another job,” he said. “I wanted a lifestyle — one where I could travel, meet people, and make a difference. NRVTA made that possible.”

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Up and Running — in More Ways Than One

Today, Up and Running RV is living up to its name. Chris travels across the region helping RV owners get back to doing what they love most — enjoying life on the road. His journey from a curious YouTube viewer to a certified professional technician is proof that it’s never too late to learn something new.

“If you’ve ever thought about getting into this industry,” Chris said, “don’t hesitate. NRVTA gives you everything you need to succeed.”

👉 Learn More: https://nrvta.com
📞 Call: (903) 386-0444
📧 Email: info@nrvta.com