New caravan training college opens

A determination to remain “world class” is behind the establishment of a new training college by the Caravan Industry Australia Victoria Trades Division (CIAVic) in collaboration with Wodonga Institute of TAFE.

A first for the Australian RV manufacturing industry and years in the making, the new National Caravan Industry Training College aims to raise the professionalism and standards of the Victorian caravan industry by producing skilled people with nationally accredited industry qualifications and non-accredited industry specific training.

The college will begin taking enrolments before September through the Wodonga Institute of TAFE with training being delivered in the workplace as required with TAFE trainers and assessors.

Three part-time courses taking up to 24 months to complete will be offered, including the Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle and Accessories Retailing, Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair, and Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Manufacture.

Additional partnerships with industry suppliers including Camec, Thetford, G&S Chassis, Dometic, and Al-Ko International, as well as professional training facilitators will help deliver non-accredited industry specific training such as management and technical workshops.

“The caravan industry is worth over $1.4 billion per annum employing directly over 5500 people,” said CIAVic CEO Rob Lucas.

“As a vibrant and exciting industry there is a genuine commitment to the on-going development of skills so that the industry continues to thrive by ensuring Australian produced recreational vehicles and services are world class,” he said.

“The college is a significant investment in the future of our industry and aims to provide people with real opportunities for careers in the recreational vehicle industry.”