RVDA of Canada Readying for RV Tech Week June 1-7
“We started RV Tech Week in 2019, and in the last four years it’s been growing momentum every year because we do want to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions that RV service technicians make to the industry,” said Eleonore Hamm, president of RVDA of Canada. “Often we talk about sales and the front end of the business, but RV service technicians play a huge part of keeping RVers on the road and enjoying the lifestyle, and that helps to keep the industry moving forward.”The RV Dealers Association of Canada is attending to the last-minute details as it prepares for RV Tech Week, June 1-7, during which it will recognize the technicians that keep the RV industry moving. It is a commemorative event to celebrate the hard work and commitment of the industry’s service technicians, RVDA of Canada officials said, adding that the week-long celebration will also help raise awareness to and attract potential workers to find rewarding careers in the RV sector.
Hamm said RV Tech Week is designed to both celebrate the work of RV service technicians as well as raise awareness of the career opportunities as an RV service technician. RVDA of Canada has developed a “tool kit” that RV dealerships may use to during RV Tech Week, she added.
“We’ve put together some social posts to celebrate the work that service techs are doing, but we also hope dealers will provide an activity or hold some sort of recognition event at at their dealership to recognize them for their hard work,” Hamm told RVBusiness.
Since the start of the pandemic, the RV industry has seen unprecedented demand as many discovered the flexibility and safety that the RV lifestyle is able to offer, Hamm said, mentioning that 600,240, a record number of wholesale units, were produced in 2021 – a 19% increase from the year prior. With surging RV sales, there comes more demands for service operations.
The RV industry is constantly evolving and adjusting to ever-increasing demands. Advanced recreation vehicle technologies and quick adaptation to parts and component shortages, RV service technicians are faced with mounting challenges. As a highly specialized trade where technicians need to have knowledge in over 14 different trade areas, aptitude for strong diagnostic skills and desire for further specialized training defines the current generation of RV service technicians.
RV Tech Week recognizes the pressures and challenges placed on the RV service technicians. By applauding their efforts to help more RVers enjoy the RV lifestyle, we aim to retain skilled technicians and to recruit more talented individuals to join the industry.
Purpose of RV Tech Week
- Introduce the specialized, RV service technician trade to the public
- Encourage the public to explore and consider a career as a RV service technician
- Reinforce the value and professionalism of RV service technicians to the RV industry and to the public
- Provide recognition to RV service technicians for excellence in their work
- Acknowledge dealers for hiring and educating RV service technicians
- Highlight the importance of working with certified RV professionals
Click here for RVDA of Canada’s “Social Activation Guide” in support of RV Tech Week.
Who are RV Service Technicians?
RV Service Technicians and apprentices are an integral part of every RV retail business. They work diligently behind the scenes. When they interact with clients, they show great compassion and vow to work quickly and efficiently to get them back on the road. Their broad and ever-increasing list of skills is a testament to their curiosity and hard work.
We salute all the RV Service Technicians for helping to create many fond memories for RVing families.
RV Service Technician is a Red Seal trade. A Red Seal endorsement signifies that a technician has met the national standard in their trade and equipped with the knowledge and necessary skills to practice in their trade across Canada.
Through the 3-year apprenticeship, apprentice RV Service Technicians acquire knowledge in the following trade areas:
In order to practice and excel in this trade, this individual must be creative, likes to challenge oneself and be challenged, enjoys working in different environments and have an open mindset that the learning never stops as technology continues to evolve.
Here are some facts about the Recreation Vehicle Service Technician trade:
FACT: RV Service Technician is a recognized Red Seal trade in all Canadian Provinces. The Red Seal program is the national standard of excellence for skilled trades in Canada.
In many cases, achieving trade certification in a Red Seal trade is equivalent to a post-secondary degree with the tremendous knowledge, skills and experience acquired on the job.
FACT: Apprentices will learn over 14 skilled trades under the one, RV service technician trade over a 3-year, (8-week) block release program.
FACT: RV Service Technician troubleshoot, repair and service EVERYTHING in the RV except the engine.
RVDA of Canada takes great pride in the work of RV Service Technicians! This RV Tech Week, from June 1 to 7, you are invited to follow and share your stories on the organization’s social channels: @RVCareers and @rv.careers. #RVTechWeek #RVCareers #RVTechs
