Worcester County Jail Inmates
Receive Certificate of Training from RV Technical Institute - Program to Lower Recidivism Rate
(Wednesday, September 7, 2022): Five inmates who are scheduled for release this fall or later next year, will leave jail with a marketable skill that is in high demand nationwide. They will receive a certificate of completion, signifying they have completed the coursework for Level I RV Service Technicians.
WHAT: RV Technician Training Graduation and Certificate Ceremony
WHERE: Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, 5 Paul X Tivnan Dr., West Boylston, MA
WHEN: Wednesday, September 7
TIME: 11:15 AM – Certificate Ceremony / Noon – Lunch
RSVP: Eric Eisner / WCSO Dir. Of Communications / eeisner@sdw.state.ma.us / C: (774) 450-5010
According to the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, the three-year recidivism rate in the state is 32%. In an effort to stem that rate, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis partnered the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) to train inmates for a career after incarceration.
“Our goal is to recruit, train, and certify RV service technicians,” said RVTI Executive Director Curt Hemmeler. “Our hands-on training and instruction, created by top RV industry experts, provides students with the experience and expertise needed by manufacturers, dealerships, and repair shops nationwide. “Our curriculum is available through partnerships like this that allow local educators provide the hands-on training,” adds Hemmeler. “When they’re ready for work, we will also help them find a job.”
The instructor for the program is certified technician and RVTI adjunct instructor Chris Dougherty of Dougherty RV Consulting, who will be available for the men to move onto their Level II Certification. Bob Zagami, Executive Director NERVDA, will work with New England area RV dealerships to place the graduates with jobs.
The 40-hour course included work with propane, electrical, water, appliances, generator, and chassis systems including 4.5 hours of hands-on practical training with a travel trailer donated by Fuller RV Rentals and Sales in Boylston, Mass.
“The RVTI program creates opportunities for participants to secure high paying careers. Nothing is more important than the dignity and self-respect of earning a paycheck,” adds Sheriff Evangelidis.
