In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), to talk about the critical need for skilled labor in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country—the recreational vehicle (RV) industry.
Curtis shares how RVTI is tackling the national technician shortage head-on through hands-on, accessible training programs designed to upskill the workforce and open doors to high-demand, high-reward careers. He also explores how RVTI collaborates with schools, dealers, and employers to modernize workforce development, and how business owners in the trades can tap into the opportunities in this $140+ billion industry.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trades looking to expand, evolve, or explore a new pathway forward.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
Why the RV industry is booming—and why it needs more technicians now
How RVTI’s training model is reshaping workforce development
What business owners and trade professionals can learn from RVTI’s scalable approach
How tradespeople can transition into or partner with the RV sector
The broader impact of vocational education on solving labor shortages across industries
🧑🔧 Guest Bio:
Curtis Hemmeler is the Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute and a national leader in workforce development and technical education. With a background in aviation maintenance training and nonprofit leadership, Curtis brings a strategic, scalable approach to building talent pipelines across industries.
📌 Resources & Mentions:
Learn more about the RV Technical Institute: RVTI.org
Connect with Curtis Hemmeler and his team: RVTI Staff Page
More interviews and insights for the skilled trades: TheTradesPodcast.com
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