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Apprenticeship

Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

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.

Also Known As

Mechanic, Motorhome Mechanic, Service Technician, Truck Camper Repairer

NOC Codes

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.

2006 NOC

  • 7383.3: Recreational Vehicle Repairers

2006 NOC-S

  • H523: Other Trades and Related Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2016 NOC

  • 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2021 NOC

  • 72423: Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics

2023 OaSIS

  • 72423.01: Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In general, recreation vehicle service technicians:

  • Examine and diagnose problems in units needing repair or maintenance
  • Use testing equipment, troubleshooting techniques, manufacturers’ specifications, and websites to help locate faults and make repairs
  • Order repair parts and components from manuals, catalogues and websites
  • Test components using computerized and electronic devices
  • Communicate with supervisors, manufacturers and consumers to ensure timely, efficient and economical repairs
  • Dismantle faulty assemblies
  • Repair or replace worn or damaged parts

They also may:

  • Install accessories
  • Do pre-delivery inspections
  • Read and write repair orders
  • Prepare estimates for repairs
  • Repair and maintain propane gas and electric appliances such as furnaces, refrigerators, water heaters, ranges and air conditioners
  • Repair fibreglass, body and structural components
  • 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, recreation vehicle technicians may install trailer and fifth wheel hitches, wire tow vehicles and perform maintenance and repairs on trailer frames, undercarriage and suspension.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Recreational Vehicle Repairers

2006 NOC: 7383.3

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

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

INNOVATIVE

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

METHODICAL

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

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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 for this NOC group 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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Recreation vehicle service technicians need:

  • Manual dexterity and balance
  • Strength and stamina
  • Mechanical, electrical and electronics aptitude
  • Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Communication, organization and learning skills
  • The ability to work alone and with a team

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.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2016 NOC: 7384

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 93 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2022 and Mar 28, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Construction Specialization: Organized
Construction Specialization: Accurate
Construction Specialization: Team player
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Power tools
Attention to detail
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Hand tools
Manual dexterity
Construction Specialization: Client focus
Hand-eye co-ordination
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, a recreation vehicle service technician must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate

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:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 10-2, Math 10-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests

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 classroom instruction 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).

Classroom instruction 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.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

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 Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [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.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Recreation Vehicle Service Technician.

Additional Information

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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 7384: Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c. occupational group, 78.0% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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 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.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

2016 NOC: 7384
Average Wage
$27.12
Per Hour
Average Salary
$50,056.00
Per Year
Average Hours
36.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.8
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7384 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

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.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.00 $30.00 $21.69 $19.00
Overall $22.00 $32.00 $27.12 $27.34
Top $26.00 $40.00 $32.44 $32.00

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.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Retail Trade
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
40%
40%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
50%
50%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

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