TECHNICIANNEWS
NATDA Expands Certified Trailer Technician Program
Mark Podeyn Action RV Owner
Scott Wentzel Dexter Director of Training
For trailer dealerships across North America, the shortage of qualified service technicians has long been one of the industry’ s most persistent challenges. As customer expectations rise and trailer systems become more complex, dealers are under increasing pressure to deliver skilled, consistent, and trustworthy service.
To address this growing need, the North American Trailer Dealers Association( NATDA) is rolling out the next phase of its Trailer Service Professional Certification, with expanded online offerings for the Certified Trailer Technician( CTT) track delivered through Dealer Academy, NATDA’ s digital learning & training platform.
While the certification framework has been in development for the past year, this rollout marks a significant milestone, bringing greater accessibility, structure, and scalability to technician training at a time when dealerships need it most.
A Clear, Trailer‐Specific Path for Technicians
The Certified Trailer Technician track is designed as a progressive, multi‐level credentialing system that supports technicians from entry‐level foundations through advanced, specialized expertise. Each level validates real‐world service skills, safety practices, and systems knowledge tailored specifically to the trailer industry rather than relying on adapted automotive or heavy‐duty standards.
For technicians, the program creates a pathway for professional growth and recognition. For dealerships, it establishes consistent training benchmarks that improve service quality, reduce liability, build customer confidence and offer ways to increase revenue via expanded service offerings and quick turn rates.
A cornerstone of the program is NAT- DA’ s partnership with Dexter, a leading manufacturer of trailer axles, suspensions, and components. Dexter plays a key role in delivering the technical training that underpins the CTT curriculum, ensuring instruction reflects real‐world dealership service environments.
“ The NATDA Trailer Service Professional Certification is a major step forward for our industry,” said Scott Wentzel, Director of Training at Dexter.“ At Dexter, we’ re proud to be part of a program that builds technician skills, creates clear career pathways, and raises the standard of trailer service— giving dealers and customers greater confidence in the work being done.”
Online Learning Expands Access Through Dealer Academy
With the integration of Dealer Academy, NATDA’ s online education platform, the Certified Trailer Technician program will be more accessible than ever. Later this year, approved online courses will allow technicians to earn certification credits without leaving the dealership, making it easier for employers to train staff year-round while managing tight schedules and labor constraints.
NATDA’ s hybrid approach, combining online coursework with hands‐on and in‐person training, reflects how modern dealerships operate and helps ensure technicians can continue developing their skills without disrupting daily service operations.
Addressing a Longstanding Industry Shortage
Dealers have long struggled with an industry‐wide lack of standardized technician credentials, making it difficult to consistently assess skill levels or demonstrate service credibility to customers, manufacturers, and partners.
Mark Podeyn, a member of the NATDA Technical Committee and owner of Action RV in the RV segment, sees the Certified Trailer Technician program as a critical turning point.
“ If there’ s one constant in the service and repair industry, it’ s that there have never been enough qualified, certified technicians to meet customer demand,” Podeyn said.“ That’ s why I want to thank NATDA for creating a truly legitimate technician training and certification program. For the first time, service leaders have a clear path to elevate their service teams to the next level. With a certification process of this caliber, customers, vendors, and manufacturers can have a level of trust and confidence that simply didn’ t exist before.”
Building Momentum for the Future
Looking ahead, NATDA plans to continue expanding education and workforce development initiatives, including training programs in partnership with NCM Associates, NATDA’ s Service Management Training Partner. In addition, many in‐person technician training sessions will be available at the NATDA Trailer Show this September in Nashville.
More information about the Certified Trailer Technician program is available at www. natda. org / natda-trailer-serviceprofessional.
38 The Haul www. natda. org