Trade Programs: Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Recreation Vehicle Service Technician do?

Recreation vehicle service technicians are trained to inspect, test, replace and service all systems contained within a recreation vehicle, except for its engine and drive train.

Recreation vehicle service technicians have the knowledge, skills and abilities to:

• work on vehicles that range from sophisticated motor homes to simple up tent trailers
• use hand and power tools, measuring tools and testing devices
• interpret codes, trade standards, government regulations and service literature
• work with supervisors and customers to ensure that repairs are done properly and cost-effectively
• service and repair plumbing and water distribution systems, propane systems, electrical systems
• install, service and repair heating and air conditioning equipment and systems, ovens, ranges, and refrigerators, interior spaces, such as cabinetry, sidewalls, flooring and floor covering, exterior panels and roofing , trailer towing and braking systems, custom accessories like security systems, leveling and stabilizing systems, awnings, skirtings and add-a-rooms

What skills/abilities are required?

A recreational vehicle service technician requires the following:

• mechanical and mathematical aptitude
• ability to plan and think sequentially
• problem-solving and trouble-shooting abilities
• good communication skills
• ability and desire to keep skills current with advancing technology
• the ability to work either independently or as a team member
• Able to work alone or in a group
• Good balance
• A positive customer service attitude

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is three years consisting of three levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1600 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Technical training consists of:

• Trade-related Mathematics
• Safety and shop procedures
• Various RV applications such as truck campers, motor homes, tent trailers
• Hand and power tools
• Trailer and towing systems
• electrical and plumbing systems
• propane, gas and appliances
• exterior structure and components

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required including a recommended course in Math. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Recreation Vehicle Service Technician Regulation states that when an apprentice is not taking technical training, an employer must pay the apprentice at least the provincial minimum wage plus:

• 15 per cent during level one
• 30 per cent during level two
• 50 per cent during level three

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Recreation vehicle service technicians are employed by recreation vehicle dealerships, manufacturers and independent repair shops. This industry is experiencing steady demand for competent, qualified recreation vehicle service technicians.

Experienced recreation vehicle service technicians may advance to a number of supervisory or administrative positions, specialize in a particular area of repair, or open their own repair shops.