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The second year for the successful satellite-delivered RV Service Technician Training program launched on September 18 with 176 dealer sites registered, nearly three times the national enrollment of the program's pilot  year. The Recreation Vehicle Service Training (RVST) Council estimates that approximately 1000 RV service technicians and other personnel are receiving training each week. Enrollment will continue until November 1, 2002.

Among the 176 currently registered, 48 are Florida-based and participate through the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA), compared to 24 sites that participated in 2001. Registered through the RVST Council are 128 sites nationwide (including 6 in Canada) compared to 37 in 2001, with 29 sites returning from the pilot year to continue training their staff.

Broadcast on Wednesday nights from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the 40-week, 60-hour curriculum is delivered via satellite transmission from the University of South Florida to participating dealerships where an unlimited number of personnel can take advantage of the training. Not only do participants save on travel, lodging and down time expenses, they're also able to train employees that otherwise may not have had the opportunity.

Use of the satellite time available to the RVST has been dramatically increased for 2002-2003 with weekly "Product Specific Training" offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Classes are given by RVIA member suppliers and manufacturers to provide the latest product information available.

The schedule is nearly full through the month of December (see schedule at right), with openings on October 22, November 21 and December 5, 10 and 17. Companies interested in providing Product Specific Training sessions should call RVIA Director of Education Jerry Balda at 800/336-0154, ext. 320.

Sites currently registered for the RVST Training Program automatically have the option of viewing the product specific training sessions. Companies providing the training seminars pay for the satellite feed time and are permitted to set up sites to receive the transmission. Those companies that are not currently registered or are not providing product specific training are required to pay a $1,300 enrollment fee and purchase a commercial satellite system (Direct TV and Dish Network systems are not compatible) in order to downlink the RVST service training courses and/or the product specific training classes.

"The RVST Satellite-Delivered Training Program is truly a win-win for the industry," said RVST Council Chairman Mel Adams, president and CEO of Airxcel, Inc. "Virtually every industry player is now able to maximize their continuing education dollars while enhancing their customer satisfaction and satisfied consumers are a plus for the entire RV industry."

The satellite-delivered RV Service Technician Training program utilizes the textbooks and course materials developed by RVIA. Satellite Training courses cover: Propane, Electricity, Water Heaters, Furnaces, Refrigerators, AC/Freon, Generators, Safety, Instrumentation, Schematics, Appliances, Pre-Delivery Inspection, Slide Rooms and Hitches and Wiring.

The satellite-delivered program is made possible through a partnership with the Florida RV Trade Association and the University of South Florida. For more information about the program or to enroll, contact RVIA's Standards and Education Department at 800/336-0154, ext. 355.

The RVST Council is an RV industry coalition comprised of RV manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and members of academia. Administered by RVIA, the national trade association of RV manufacturers and component suppliers, the council meets twice annually to consider ways to enhance RV service technician training for the benefit of the RV industry. 

Click Here for Product Specific Training Schedule

For more information about the program or to enroll, contact RVIA's Standards and Education Department at 800/336-0154, ext. 355.