Mechanic, Motorhome Mechanic, Service Technician, Truck Camper Repairer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $22.66 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $29.26 |
| Top | $34.70 |
Interest in precision working to inspect and test functional units, wiring, piping and components such as switches, electric motors and valves to determine specific repairs and replacements
Interest in analyzing information to disassemble and repair or replace stoves, heaters, pumps and other malfunctioning units, and to repair wiring and test electrical systems
Interest in speaking with owners to discuss nature of malfunctions and damages to assess extent of repairs required; and in inspecting new vehicles before delivery according to manufacturers' instructions and motor vehicle regulations
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In general, recreation vehicle service technicians:
They also may:
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.
Recreation vehicle service technicians usually work indoors in shops and occasionally work outdoors and at RV sites. Most work a 40 hour, five day week. However, some evening, weekend or holiday work may be required, particularly during the busier summer months.
Recreation vehicle service technicians may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
Recreation vehicle service technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy being challenged by a wide range of tasks that are rarely repetitious.
To work in Alberta, a recreation vehicle service technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must:
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,600 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year. High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for credit or certification.
Recreation vehicle service technician apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary.
For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Recreation vehicle service technicians install, repair and maintain interior and exterior components on motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, truck campers, tent trailers and van conversions. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act and Recreation Vehicle Service Technician Trade Regulation, you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, repair and maintain interior and exterior components on motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, truck campers, tent trailers or van conversions in Alberta.
The term of apprenticeship for apprentice recreation vehicle service technicians in Alberta is three years (three 12 month periods) that include 1,600 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in each year. Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
Recreation vehicle service technicians from other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
Recreation vehicle service technicians are employed by recreation vehicle dealerships, manufacturers and independent repair shops.
Experienced recreation vehicle service technicians may move into supervisory or administrative positions, specialize in a particular area of repair, or open their own shops. Alberta certified journeyperson recreation vehicle service technicians who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Recreational vehicle service technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7384: Other trades and related occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 1,200 Albertans are employed in the Other trades and related occupations occupational group. This group is not expected to grow from 2016 to 2020.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Apprentice recreation vehicle service technicians earn at least 55% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 65% in the second and 75% in the third.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $43.14 | $22.66 | $18.45 |
| Overall | $21.00 | $43.14 | $29.26 | $28.43 |
| Top | $25.00 | $50.00 | $34.70 | $34.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Manufacturing | $77,474 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $61,383 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,587 |
| Retail Trade | $58,273 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association website: www.rvda-alberta.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.