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 as well as problem solving – you will like a career as a Recreation Vehicle Service Technician.
Duties may include:
- installation of accessories
- performing pre-delivery inspections
- writing repair estimates and reading and writing repair orders
- troubleshooting, repair and maintenance on propane gas and electric appliances such as furnaces, refrigerators, water heaters, ranges and air conditioners
- repairs to fibreglass, body and structural components
- the ability to install, repair, replace and maintain 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 engines or drive train components of motorized vehicles, they may install trailer and fifth-wheel hitches, wire tow vehicles and perform maintenance and repairs on trailer frames, undercarriage and suspension.
In general, recreation vehicle service technicians:
- examine, troubleshoot and diagnose units needing repairs and/or maintenance,
- use testing equipment, troubleshooting techniques, manufacturers' specifications and websites to locate faults and perform repairs
- use manuals along with catalogues and websites to order repair parts and components,
- use computerized and electronic devices for testing components,
- communicate with supervisors, manufacturers and consumers to ensure timely, efficient and economical repairs
- and dismantle faculty assemblies, repair or replace work and damaged parts.
This is a compulsory trade - to work in this trade you need to hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the trade:
- good manual dexterity and balance while working off the ground
- the strength, stamina and ability to use proper lifting techniques to lift items in excess of 25 kilograms
- mechanical, electrical and electronics 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
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded 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.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Recreation vehicle service technicians are employed by recreation vehicle dealerships, manufacturers and independent repair shops. Recreation vehicle service technicians usually work in indoor shops and occasionally work outdoors and at RV sites. The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy a relatively clean, safe work environment that is not generally physically demanding.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to supervisory positions, specialize in a type of repair or take on new apprentices. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Tuition and fees 2023/24
- Period 1: $1,375
- Period 2: $1,375
- Period 3: $1,375
Requirements
Entrance requirements for all apprenticeship programs are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.;
Admission requirements
Government investment creates 134 new apprenticeship seats at SAIT
SAIT is set to receive a more than $900,000 investment from the Government of Alberta to support apprenticeship education through the creation of 134 new seats across eight programs for the skilled trades.
Admission 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 path
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
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2022/23 academic year opens May 18, 2022.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Oct. 17, 2022 | Dec. 9, 2022 |
| 2 | Jan. 3, 2023 | Feb. 24, 2023 |
| 1 | March 6, 2023 | April 28, 2023 |
Training
The term of apprenticeship for a recreation vehicle service technician is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1600 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of apprenticeship education each year.
apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 2 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $300 for first period and $800 for second and third period.
- It is recommended that 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.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Number of weeks | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | $1,056 | $247 | $72 | $1,375 |
| 2 | 8 | $1,056 | $247 | $72 | $1,375 |
| 3 | 8 | $1,056 | $247 | $72 | $1,375 |
Fees breakdown
| SAIT fees | Cost per period |
|---|---|
| Lab and materials fee | $90 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 |
| Campus recreation fee | $51.50 |
| Total | $247 |
Saitsa fee per week: $9
Learn more about what your fees are for
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $300 for first period and $800 for second and third period.
- It is recommended that 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.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
