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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.
If you like a variety of work, an aptitude for mechanical and electronic work and problem-solving – you will enjoy a career as a recreation vehicle service technician.
Duties may include:
- installing accessories
- performing pre-delivery inspections
- writing repair estimates and reading and writing repair orders
- troubleshooting, repairs and maintenance of propane gas and electric appliances such as furnaces, refrigerators, water heaters, ranges and air conditioners
- repairing fibreglass, body and structural components
- installing, repairing, replacing and maintaining:
- roofs, siding, windows, doors, vents, awnings, floor coverings
- cabinets, counters, plumbing systems, electrical systems,
- propane gas systems, batteries and charging systems.
While they do not repair motorized vehicles' engines or drive train components, they may install trailer and fifth-wheel hitches, wire tow vehicles and perform maintenance and repairs on trailer frames, undercarriage and suspension.
Recreation vehicle service technicians typically:
- inspect, troubleshoot and diagnose units needing repairs and maintenance,
- use testing equipment, troubleshooting techniques, manufacturers' specifications and websites to locate faults and perform repairs
- order repair parts and components using manuals, catalogues and websites
- use computerized and electronic devices for testing components,
- communicate with supervisors, manufacturers and consumers to ensure timely, efficient and economical repairs
- dismantle faculty assemblies, repair or replace worn and damaged parts.
To work in this trade, certification is required. This means that you must either be a registered apprentice working under the guidance of a certified journeyperson, or you must be a certified journeyperson yourself.
Recreational vehicle service technicians are skilled tradespeople who are self-motivated and enjoy working on various tasks.
This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy being creative, working with their hands, and have an aptitude for mechanics, electrical and more.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- good manual dexterity and balance while working off the ground
- the strength, stamina and ability to use proper lifting techniques to lift items over 25 kilograms
- mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude
- troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities
- good communication, organizational and learning skills
- the desire to upgrade and learn new skills as technology advances
- the ability to work either independently or as a team member
- pride in workmanship and the desire to attain a superior level of expertise
- a commitment to safe work habits.
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded a diploma in addition to journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72020, 72410, 72411, 74203.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for a recreation vehicle service technician is three years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1600 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of apprenticeship education each year.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning workplace safety, tools and shop equipment. You will then learn plumbing, liquid petroleum systems, direct current electrical systems, appliance operations and accessories as well as mechanical and towing systems.
Training length: 8 weeks
Year 2 | Period 2
You will learn standard practices and procedures, alternative current electrical systems, consumer products, appliances, exterior structures as well as mechanical and suspension systems.
Training length: 8 weeks
Year 3 | Period 3
You will learn inverter and solar systems, appliances, interior structures and components, slide-outs, leveling systems, auxiliary fueling systems, specialty haulers, welding, coaching as well as certification.
Training length: 8 weeks
Apprenticeship education performance
To succeed in apprenticeship education, you must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam.
The passing grade for each section in a course is 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Pre-employment pathway
SAIT’s Pre-employment Recreation Vehicle Service Technician program prepares you to enter into an apprenticeship with hands-on skills. Upon successfully completing the program, you’ll qualify to challenge the first-year Recreation Vehicle Service Technician apprenticeship exam.
Pre-employment Recreation Vehicle Service TechnicianAdmission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerAvailable intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Books or modules and other items for classes average out to $300 for the first period and $800 for the second and third periods.
We recommend you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned.
Books and modules are provided at Point Trotter for purchase.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
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