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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, recreation vehicle technicians 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, 5-day week. However, some evening, weekend or holiday work may be required, particularly during the busier summer months.
Their working environment is typically clean and relatively safe. It is generally not physically demanding, although technicians may be required to lift and move items weighing over 25 kilograms.
Recreation vehicle service technicians need:
They should enjoy being challenged by a wide range of tasks that are rarely repetitious. They should find reward in building their skills and expertise.
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 find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Background knowledge in electricity, gas fitting, carpentry, plumbing, mechanics and sheet metal are an asset.
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 admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
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. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
Recreation vehicle service technicians need to continually stay up to date with changes in technology.
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 [pdf] and Recreation Vehicle Service Technician Trade Regulation [pdf], 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 in Alberta is 3 years (12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,600 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training 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).
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
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.
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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c. occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the 39 new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
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 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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: rvda-alberta.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.