Your Next Adventure Awaits: A Rewarding Career in the RV Trades

By Guest Post

Mike’s Advice / Guest Posts

Friday, July 11th, 2025 @ 11:19am

Dream of a career where your skills bring joy, enable freedom, and create unforgettable memories? The thriving recreational vehicle (RV) industry offers just that! It’s more than fixing vehicles; it’s being part of an industry that helps millions of Canadians live their travel dreams. Forget old stereotypes about trade jobs. The RV industry is booming, innovative, and actively seeking passionate individuals like you to join its ranks. With over 2 million Canadian households owning an RV, job opportunities have soared by over 50% in three years, ensuring excellent job security and a truly rewarding career.

Busting Myths: High-Tech, High-Skill Careers

Let’s be clear: RV trades are not a “fallback” career. Modern RVs are sophisticated machines packed with intricate electrical systems, advanced plumbing, complex hydraulics, and smart structural designs. An RV service technician is a highly skilled professional, mastering cutting-edge technology, diagnosing complex issues, and ensuring these rolling homes are safe, comfortable, and adventure-ready. It’s a specialized profession demanding sharp problem-solving, continuous learning, and a true commitment to craftsmanship. It’s not uncommon for parallel career developments in the RV sector, with technicians sometimes discovering their passion in RV sales and salespeople trading in offices for coveralls and tool belts.

A World of Opportunity: Diverse Career Paths

The RV industry offers a wide array of career options. The hands-on heart of the industry is the RV Service Technician, mastering everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs—a role that encompasses aspects of 27 different trades, and a nationally recognized Red Seal trade! If you’re organized, a Parts Specialist role involves technical knowledge and inventory management, ensuring RV owners get the right components. For those who love connecting with people, an RV Lifestyle Consultant (also known as a Sales Professional) guides families to their dream RVs, leveraging product knowledge and marketing expertise to drive growth. Finally, Fixed Operations & Service Management roles are crucial for overseeing the day-to-day operations, service, and parts departments, ensuring seamless customer experiences. The industry welcomes anyone, from high school students to experienced professionals, to discover their niche.

Your Path to Expertise: Clear Training & Multiple Routes

Ready to start your adventure in the RV trades? Accessible pathways await, no matter your background. The primary route to becoming an expert RV Service Technician is through an apprenticeship program, where you earn while you learn with hands-on experience and classroom training at institutions like Vancouver Island University, Okanagan College, SAIT, and Fleming College. For new entrants, colleges offer pre-employment, entry-level, or dual-credit programs for a solid foundation. If you’re already a tradesperson (automotive, electrical, plumbing, or other related trades), your skills are highly valued! Tailored upgrade and apprenticeship programs help you transition into RV work. Specialized online training for Parts and Fixed Operations is also available, enhancing skills in sales, management, and dealership efficiency.

A Welcoming Industry: Dedicated Support for Your Career

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada has championed this industry since 1996, actively supporting career opportunities through its Education and Human Resources committee.

The RV industry is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion. The RVDA of Canada actively promotes RV Careers to youth via its RV Career Showcase at Provincial and National Skills Canada Competitions and trade fairs. The industry also supports college programs like Jill of All Trades™, which inspire young women to explore skilled trades in an inclusive environment.

The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) is a leading force, offering North America-wide networking opportunities and an all-female technician training program. Financial support is available through generous bursary programs with partners like NTP-Stag Canada. The collaborative culture in RV shops is also noteworthy, with experienced technicians eager to mentor newcomers.

Your Next Great Adventure Awaits!

The RV service technician trade offers dynamic, rewarding careers with national recognition, growth opportunities, and clear pathways. These professionals build and maintain the vehicles that provide freedom, enabling unique lifestyles and cherished memories for countless Canadians.

With unprecedented growth and evolving technology, there’s a real demand for skilled individuals, meaning excellent job security and the chance to build a fulfilling career. Whether you’re graduating high school, seeking a career change, or already in a related trade, the RV industry needs you. The training is accessible, the work is varied and challenging, and a supportive community awaits. RV technicians are problem-solvers and continuous learners who contribute directly to some of people’s happiest moments.

Ready to explore what’s possible? Visit www.rvcareers.ca today and take the first step towards a career that truly takes you places!