Overview
Learn to install, repair and maintain interior and exterior components on motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, truck campers, tent trailers and van conversions.
Do you like a variety of hands-on work, have an aptitude for mechanical and electronic work and problem solving? The Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician trade offers training that develops one of the most diverse applied skill sets in North America.
You’ll gain a wide array of skills making you a “jack of all trades” as the program integrates portions of 27 other certified trades in Alberta. It’s also the only RV program in Alberta that aligns with the apprenticeship model.
As an RV Service Technician, you will:
- perform pre-delivery inspections
- examine, troubleshoot and diagnose units with computerized and electronic testing devices to locate faults and perform repairs
- install, repair, replace and maintain all components of recreational vehicles, including roofs, siding, windows, doors, vents, awnings, floor coverings, cabinets, counters, plumbing systems, electrical systems, propane gas systems, batteries and charging systems
- dismantle facility assemblies, repair or replace worn and damaged parts, including fibreglass, body and structural components
- communicate with supervisors, manufacturers and customers to ensure timely, efficient and economical repairs, including writing repair estimates and reading and writing repair orders
- while you will not repair motorized vehicles' engines or drive train components, you may install trailer and fifth-wheel hitches, wire tow vehicles and perform maintenance and repairs on trailer frames, undercarriage and suspension.
Our Pre-employment RV Service Technician program is equivalent to the first year of the apprenticeship program, with 360 hours of training that includes both theory and hands-on lab-based components. This program will prepare you to challenge the first-period Trade Qualification (TQ) Apprenticeship Exam. This is a compulsory trade. To work in this trade in Alberta, you must hold a recognized Journeyperson Trade Certificate or be a Registered Apprentice.
Program Outcomes
- Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and other tradespeople in the recreation vehicle industry.
- Use technology to communicate.
- Adhere to health and safety standards and regulations specific to recreation vehicles.
- Demonstrate how to service, maintain, diagnose and repair basic systems and components of recreation vehicles.
- Demonstrate how to identify and safely use the correct hand and power tools per manufacturer specifications.
Is this the Right Fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT’s programs. You must be able to read, write and understand English at a level exceeding basic conversational English to be successful in this program. This trade is ideal for personalities suited for diverse troubleshooting and repair challenges.
Credentials
This is a certificate — 16.5 credit program. With good standing, students can challenge the Trade Certification Exam upon course completion.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $6,917
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- at least 50% in English 10-2
- at least 50% in Math 10-3
- at least 50% in a Grade 10 science course.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start | Year end |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 11, 2023 | June 6, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FUEL 204 | Propane Systems | 1.5 |
| PRAC 294 | Work Integrated Learning | 3.0 |
| RVMC 202 | DC Electricity | 1.5 |
| RVMC 203 | Plumbing and Appliances | 1.5 |
| RVMC 204 | RV Systems Lab | 6 |
| RVMC 205 | Mechanical Systems | 1.5 |
| SAFE 218 | Safety, Equipment and Digital Learning | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 16.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $6,600 | $317 | n/a | $6,917 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic fee table.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next Steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Spring 2023 will take place on the first day of class. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, July 5 for Fall 2022.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Steel-toe boots and safety glasses are recommended.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices
PREP 145 is a free study skills course for apprentices and pre-employment students. Discover your learning style, develop memory techniques, learn effective ways to conquer your modules, get tips on how to write multiple-choice tests, and prepare for your apprenticeship exam. Course completion is recommended at the beginning of your first semester.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Jason Purdy, Academic Chair
Email: jason.purdy@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
Sign up to get important updates on: