Was the NRVTA Worth it?
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
- here is everything you need to know before you decide to go to the National RV Training Academy.
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Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:49 Overview
7:45 Pros
23:07 Cons
45:02 Tips
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RV, Camper, Fifth-Wheel, Motorhome, Fleetwood Flair, RV Maintenance 101, Mobile RV Tech, Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Nevada, RV Repair Technician, Save money, Save time, Certified RV Repair Tech, RV Tips and Tricks, NRVTA, National RV Training Academy, Water Heater, Dometic, Atwood, RV Inspector, RV Inspection, Todd, Boulder City,
When I was there I was only woman in my classes except first week and generator. I had to retired sailors take me under their wing.
I was one of the few that did not short out a board in refrigerator.
I had my first customer on my 59th birthday. This is my post children career.
That's awesome! There were definitely more women when I went through. I want to say there were four of us in my class. Still not many.
We had one guy short a fridge board pretty spectacularly in the final cert exam. I never figured out what people were doing that was making them short like that. Hope to never find out first hand.
Best birthday gift ever!
Great review Emily! We appreciate your honesty. You hit on many excellent points that we don't often discuss but hope people take away from the school, like the hundreds of hands-on troubleshooting exercises, our dedicated staff, and our genuine desire to see graduates succeed. Our doors are open to everyone, and we've had people from every walk of life come through. We're so happy to have them here.
Our marketing targets anyone interested in this type of trade, but we do have a lot of males sign up. It's likely due to the nature of the work, but we really want to see more women get involved because they do so well in this trade.
Now, Texas lol. You're right. My wife and I moved here five years ago and Texas can be a culture shock for sure.
Again, I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate you coming to the school and showing the world that this trade is an opportunity for everyone! We're happy to hear that you're doing well, and we hope to see more updates from you! ~Tony
One of the main reasons I subscribe to your channel is because you are a woman. There aren’t very many women owned businesses that are in the mechanical technical industry. I love that you empower other women to do things that they may have relied on a man or a male mechanic to do. You empowered me!! I’m getting ready to go on a six week solo vacation and I needed easy to understand and simple instructions to get my rig ready. For example, I was watching the NRVTA channel to sanitize my freshwater tank. Then, I found your channel. Your videos were much easier to follow. I love your instructions that I can print out and bring with me. Now I am taking your class. Thank you for making me feel like I can do this! I can do this !!!! You rock …. I am sharing your channel with all my girlfriends.
Emily's mom here - the one who went to the week 1 course and served as pit crew for the 7 weeks for my two awesome NRVTA students. Two items that might be worth adding if you are considering the NRVTA: 1. Tip - stay at the park if you can afford it. Why? Easy home for lunch, nice food trucks a couple of times a week, access to the clubhouse, and most importantly - easy access to the school so you can get there early, stay after, connect with other students, and connect with the teachers and TAs easily (most of them are living in the park while teaching the classes). And 2. Religion - we as a family are not religious and found it really surprising to find that references to god and religion were sprinkled throughout. Emily is too polite to say it, but part of the challenge of that long boring speech was that we were told that we were there because god had brought us there. Nope! We were there because we had made the decision to spend a whole lot of time and money and effort to learn about working on RVs. If you are comfortable with christianity intersecting with your workplace, this is not going to be an issue for you. I was not. Having said that, I - like Emily - learned a hell of a lot.
Hi Emily's mom😊 thanks for the tips and warning about religious talk. I'll be there in a year for 5 wks so I'll be prepared!
Yup! I found the most Christianity-chat during Cooper's talk, but many of the TAs had Jesus/God wristbands, and there are a few God-ish signs above the main doors into the working area of the school. Aside from the sermon - sorry, talk that Cooper gave, I didn't run into much of that. But it is there, no doubt. I also kept most of my opinions to myself, being that I'm a Lefty from the PNW - and also there's no need to discuss divisive issues while at school, it's not what we are there for.
True - I wasn’t quite as bothered as you because this same crap happened during my military career - I’ve just learned to ignore it - I don’t condone it tho.
@@baird520 Where are you located? We’re in central Oregon 7 months per year. McKenzie Bridge - about an hour east of Eugene.
@@susankistler5204 -Nice! I'm in Portland. Just got back from school in Texas. Gotta get my house ready to rent to traveling nurses, then I'm gonna be on the move!
Great and informative video. I'll be going to the NRVTA in a year as a 70 y/o female solo traveler and a former primary teacher. For me, with all the researching I've done about the NRVTA, I know that given the vast range of both education and life experience that the students come with, the courses are designed to set the students up for success. This is important for me b/c I have ero tech background and will be an RV newbie. So, knowing that there'll be a lot of support is a huge plus for me. I am doing the homestudy course and loving it.😊
Cathy, so glad you posted. I just turned 70 recently. I have been intrigued by the NRVTA courses since discovering them not long before we moved into our 5th wheel and sold our house. I was just listening to this and thinking it is probably too late for me to do this and then I tripped over your comment. I think I will get the home study course and hopefully move from it to taking the in person course. Thanks for inspiring me not to give up. Cherry Johnson
I went there in September 2023, took the tech classes and the inspection classes. You hit the nail on the head with everything you spoke about. I could not have described it better. Inspection class was a bit calmer because there were a few more women in class. I was going to take generators and solar - but I was so exhausted, the thought of spending a week trying to prove my worth to a new bunch of guys was too much - so I decided not to take them - your experience was exactly what I thought it would be. The inspectors, TAs and Staff are great - and did their best to be professionals. I’m retired Air Force and worked in male dominated areas - it didn’t prepare me for the 13 yr old 45 yr olds. I would absolutely attend these classes again and highly recommend other women attend. I did make some friends while there - not all the guys were obnoxious
"13 year old 45 yr olds" - hahahaha! So true. I ran into a few of them, but mostly the guys who hadn't been through the first 5 weeks with me. "My Guys", as I call them, knew me well enough to respect me.
As soon as you started the cons category, I knew it would be something I have experienced my entire professional life as an aircraft technician… in Texas… as a woman, as a woman of Mexican decent, as a queer woman of Mexican decent… in rural East Texas. However, I look at is as, I’m trying to better myself and my family. Then you moved on to the religious talk and again, as a non believer this could be problematic but not from my corner. As a non believer I get angry people trying to tell me how I am the on in the wrong. I leave religion alone as a matter of principle, because I don’t care. But then you made me totally smile about “Texas crazy.” I live in Texas. Wasn’t raised here, but here I am. It does take a bit to get used to. Now I don’t even notice it. All in all, thank you for this video. So informative and non biased.
P.S. It broke my heart when you discussed your experience with the jerks pushing you around. I’m so glad you didn’t let it discourage you from even speaking about it. Hopefully someone from the school will watch this video and make the necessary adjustments and watch out for these situations in the future. In an educational situation there is no room for this treatment. Everyone is there to learn.
I took Fundamentals and Inspector in Fall of 22. You’re right, Brian was a blast…everyone was great. Sue, there were also 2TAs named Scott who were also great. Enjoying your videos! Steve
This video is awesome! Thank you!
I just can’t believe men are still like that! I believe they are deeply intimidated by women who can do things better. I spent my whole career in a “man’s world” and can tell you I have had different experiences with the chauvinism and also with guys who will take you under their wing and protect you. 27 years in the Air Force Reserves and 34 years as a bridge inspector I have met all types. You keep doing what you’re doing. “You Got This!”
Thanks so much for this video!!!! So glad you did this for us.
You are so welcome!
Great video. Great info. Thanks for being real.
I've been a do it myself person my entire life. I was a building inspector and have seen my fair share of ineptness.
Starting a life with my wife in our RV. I was chasing Gremlins for over a year with my RV refrigerator. Emily's video was the ONLY one that was able to help me. You had me hooked from then on and now I am subscribed.
People can keep saying you're great because you're a woman.
But as a 58 year old Building Official who has seen a hell of a lot ... you're great because you're great at explaining complex things simply and you have a very good on-screen presence that keeps people watching.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
So... you literally popped up in my feed a d I'm 15 seconds into your vid. I'm LITERALLY planning on going to NRVTA next year!!!!!
Attended in January and March and agree with all you said!
I love your videos and being a 68 year old independent woman i want to do things myself. I live in Pennsylvania and if i was your age again i would love to have pursued this type of career. We need a school here on the East coast! Its even difficult to find garages that'll work on rv's let alone a mobile teck. Thanks again but i have to go fix my water tank after i watch your video again LOL
You got this!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm heading there in April for 5 weeks. I was thinking 5 weeks in a row would be long enough and I would take solar and generators later. I plan to investigate the two additional classes when I get there. Sorry to hear about your experience with solar.
I was going to put as a tip in the video (and I totally forgot) I would recommend people at least consider doing the 5 weeks and coming back another time if they want for the last 2 like you're doing. Most of the people around me, including myself, felt really good after the 5 weeks, but started feeling really burnt out in those last two. I even talked to Brian I believe it was and he said that most people who stay for the 7 straight feel really exhausted in those last two weeks. I'd say if its in the cards, take the 5, go start your business. Make some money. Then come back for the other 2 if you decide you want them.
Excellent!! Just joined. Will start viewing your other vids as getting my tt later this month and nomadic life begins. I'm sure you are going to help me along. Thanks in advance.
You've just shared a lot of great information with us, so thank you. I'd love to go down there to learn more, but for now, the University of CZcams will have to do. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
I was nice to your mom :) She was/is the best! I really enjoyed listening to your experience at the NRVTA and what you took away from it. I completely agree with so much of what you said, especially coming out confident enough to start a mobile RV tech biz. Texas is so weird. I think they have an unspoken competition among themselves of who can wear the most outlandish Guns God and Country t-shirt out of the house. Your explanation of the school, classes, and environment were 100% spot on. This video is well worth the watch if you are considering attending the NRVTA.
Brad!! I hope everything in your business/life is going well!
You were awesome to my mom, and my whole family. And a great person to make eye contact with when crazy shit was happening 😂.
Ah, thanks Brad! You were/are a joy.
GREAT content!!!! Stick with making informative videos. Appreciate the honesty and transparency. Your "realness" in EVERY topic is what we all need to hear. You WILL do very well in no matter what you are doing. Stay real to yourself, and keep that glowing personality. I say all this being, an older, white male, living in the south, who attempts to read the Bible every day and goes to church every Sunday. I'm sorry you had to go though some of that demoralizing treatment. I'm looking at going to NRVTA with hopes to later start my own business as well. You have encouraged me and fueled my inspiration of making my vision become reality and not just a dream.
Wow you really made my day. This was one of the first things I saw as I woke up and now I feel like I can’t help but have a good day!
Awesome video.
Something to be aware of for hose on your way to Athens… there are a lot of side hustles, Business Packages, specialized tools, tech applications, tank cleaning training, lithium batteries, etc.. Some good others waste of money. Use your best discretion on what you will actually need.
Thanks for the review I am taking the pro home version now, retiring at the end of the year. Still want to work but for myself. Planning to attend the tech class next January.
yay! Starting in January is such a fun vibe. Our first class was on like January 2nd I believe. So the whole room had this great, "new year new me" energy. The school also closes down for the holidays so there weren't any people there directly before us. So it really felt like we had the place to ourselves at first. Great vibe.
You are awesome.
Awesome content, congratulations on your achievements. I was wondering if the nrvta program included information on repairs of frames, water damaged walls and floors and the general structure overview of what makes an RV? Again congrats.🎉
Thanks! The NRVTA really focuses on electrical. They cover some other topics briefly, but electrical is their main focus. So while you can ask someone one on one about any of those things and I’m sure you’d get some great answers, it’s not a part of the curriculum.
Wow. My experience was basically THE SAME as yours - one year later. I was fortunate (as it goes) in the Solar class as there was a "side" solar job that some of us took over. TA Jeremy had a golf cart with a solar panel for a roof. He gave us the parts and we hooked them all up on his cart. It was fun, but it was also crowded. I'm sure the school has heard LOTS of reviews saying "this class is too damn big", but I got it from one of the TAs that the class size won't get smaller anytime soon. I solidly disliked the generator class too. The teacher knows what he's talking about, but how he presented the info was all over the place. Yes, small engine experience would be VERY helpful for that class.
Well on one hand I’m glad it’s the same. I was nervous that maybe I was critiquing something they had already changed and I would be beating a dead horse.
@@rvrepairwoman - unfortunately no. I really appreciated watching your video as it is an unbiased view - not from someone associated with the school. I'm glad I went, but there is definitely room for improvement at the school.
I too was in solar class with golf cart. Even so, only the most aggressive participated. There was also a student in our class that took solar more than a year ago he indicatedI that the documentation and classroom has improved. However I don’t recommend class. I wish it had a lab similar to what RV Unlpugged season one, did for solar competition. Hear ae all the pieces you need, build a working system. Also more on towable with “pre wired” solar installs.
I appreciate the insights. I can definitely relate to the experience you had at the fundamentals class. I appreciate your comments about how your confidence level skyrocketed after your time there. I will be taking the rest of the courses in the tech series, plus the generator course, this summer. I currently have the same reservations that you mentioned you had prior to starting the classes. Hopefully, my confidence level will soar like yours has when I am done with the classes. At any rate, I enjoyed the video and look forward to the next. Also, I'd love to see a video about your thoughts (tips/pros/cons) on your experiences starting your business. Sorry, this longer than anticipated, but would you say a ladder ($) is a necessary item for the class? Thanks.
You don’t need a ladder for any of the classes in the tech series. You may for the inspector. I don’t know because I didn’t do those two weeks.
Great review. I took the home study course from the NRVTA, and also completed and became certified Level 1 tech from the RVTI. As a Retired Correctional after 30 years, but back working as a contract employee until this August when our house in Calif will be paid off. I will then go to the RVTI school $600 for 3 weeks of training to become a LV 2 tech. At 64 year young, not worth it for me to pay to go to the RVTA. If I was younger I would for sure. Looking forward to your next video. Don
Which school would you recommend for someone who has no experience in anything like this at all?
@@kennapayne100% NRVTA (in my opinion). Granted, I am not fully, Level 2 certified through RVTI, but if I compare RVTI Level 1 (20 hours online) with the three weeks to get certified as an inspector, I learned waaaaay more at NRVTA. Still working my way through RVTI Level 2, but having the hands on experience alone is more valuable than. My background is environmental education and only owned an RV for a year prior to attending so I was definitely in the “no experience” category.
Having said all that, my husband is going to do RVTI while he’s still active duty because it’s more accessible financially and schedule-wise. But he also works with engines and has done science based work through his MOS (job). I don’t think I could do well with only RVTI.
The speech Is still there!! 😂 As of Jan 1st 2024!
😂😂Some things never change!
@@rvrepairwoman I guess not 😂 I’m just glad I wasn’t the only one who thought this 😂😂
I just finished Fundamentals last week. February 19-24, 2024. No speech. Haven't even seen Cooper.
@@mikebarfknecht2705 wow!
Do you have information on your dad’s business? I live in Oregon and am having a really hard time finding someone that will even look at the propane system on my older motorhome.
If you are ever come to Indiana for continuing ed I would love to connect. I live in central Indiana.
Will do!
Thanks for a great review. That is what I've been looking for too, a review from someone who wasn't affiliated with the school.
Did you have any small business experience before ? Would you say that the small business class part would be enough for someone with no business experience , but a fair amount of common sense, to start a business? Id love to see a review of the small business class.
So the small business class was a little hit or miss in my opinion. You just come in an hour early for the first week of fundamentals and that is considered the business class. The first day of the "business class" is taken up by that really boring speech I talked about and doing introductions of people. So you really only get 4 hours of the business side of things. Three days of which are mostly videos of an accountant friend of the school walking through how to set up a business plan and taxes. The final day of the business class was a Q&A with the TA's asking them how they run their businesses and I found this much more helpful than any of the other days.
I came in with almost NO business experience at all, but my parents had ran a business themselves my whole childhood so I had them to lean on. If you have some common sense you can figure pretty much everything out. I'm amazed at how much being self employed is just making it up as you go.
I just graduated in Feb 2024. At first I was all excited about the Business Class. But it becomes very apparent that, although you're getting some good information, it's also one big sales pitch to buy their program - to the tune of $1000 or just under, I think. I was convinced for a bit, but asked around and was given the tip that "you can find all that info for much cheaper if you look on your own". Yes, the information was fairly useful, but I really bristled at the sales pitch aspect of it.
I opted to go to all the *free* 7am sessions, but didn't buy their program. Show up, bring coffee, and make your own choice of whether you want to invest additional money in it.
Would you benefit from me mentioning your name when I enroll? I want to make sure you get the credit!
Couldn’t hurt! Thanks!
There is no way I would let a bunch of students install solar on my RV.
To each their own. I know he got a big discount (not having to pay for labor) and the instructors did look over everything after. But looking back on it it’s definitely not an install I’d put in my portfolio.
OMG girl...[ term of endearment...] from Las Vegas, fulltime RVer," wanta be" RVtech...how did you finance the school...??? [have their "on-line" class...] founf the videos informative and most entertaining...😉🫠😁