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Overview
Become a skilled recreation vehicle (RV) service technician with our comprehensive Pre-Employment Recreation Vehicle Technician program.
Learn how to install, repair and maintain a wide range of interior and exterior components on various types of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, truck campers, tent trailers and van conversions.
If you're intrigued by the workings of recreational vehicles and want to acquire a versatile skill set, this program is tailored for you.
As a student, you will:
- learn to perform pre-delivery inspections, troubleshoot with computerized and electronic devices, and handle repairs and maintenance
- gain practical skills in dismantling, repairing and replacing various RV components, from structural aspects to plumbing and electrical systems
- develop skills to interact effectively with supervisors, manufacturers and customers, including writing repair estimates and handling repair orders
- learn to service propane gas systems and AC and DC electrical systems as well as how to build cabinets
- learn to perform plumbing work and service appliances such as fridges, ranges and heaters
- train in a field that encompasses aspects of 27 other certified trades, making you a versatile technician
- complete the only RV program in Alberta that aligns with the apprenticeship model, providing a blend of theoretical and practical learning.
Recreation vehicle service technician is a compulsory trade, which means only apprentices or holders of a journeyperson ticket are legally permitted to work in this occupation in Alberta. Upon completing this certificate, you will be equipped to work as an apprentice, return to school for your second and third training periods, or use your new skills to repair your own RV.
The diverse skill set you will acquire will open doors to various roles within the RV service and maintenance sector.
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- good vision, hearing and sense of smell to diagnose problems
- strength and stamina for working with heavy equipment in cramped or awkward positions
- mechanical ability
- the ability to work alone or as part of a team
- the ability to think logically
- an interest in a variety of fabrication and repair-oriented tasks
- an interest in woodwork, electronics and mechanics.
You should enjoy doing precision work, solving problems and working with your hands and mind.
This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's (AIT) Recreation Vehicle Service Technician curriculum, offering 360 hours of theory and hands-on learning.
Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.
Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT's Recreation Vehicle Service Technician apprenticeship program beginning in period two.
You'll spend four weeks working in a recreational vehicle service shop, applying the skills and knowledge you've acquired in the program and gaining practical experience related to workplace procedures, techniques and culture.
After successfully completing this program, you'll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Recreation Vehicle Service Technician certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72423, 72020, 72410, 72411, 74203.
Career planning support
Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.
You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.
Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.
Courses
The Pre-Employment Recreational Vehicle Service Technician certificate requires 16.5 credits (seven courses) to complete.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
In this course,you will identify the properties of propane and how to service propane systems for a recreation vehicle. You will explore a various propane system components and operations. You will learn to identify leaks, explain how to perform a leak and pressure test, and understand operations to make safe physical connections on propane systems. |
1.5 |
|
The work integrated learning (WIL) component of the Pre-Employment RV Service Technician program offers you the opportunity to gain valuable real-world industry experience within course time. You will spend four weeks working in a recreational vehicle (RV) service shop, applying knowledge gathered in the program and gain practical experience related to workplace procedures, techniques and culture. |
3 |
|
In this course, you will learn about direct current (DC) electrical theory and systems for the recreation vehicle. You will learn the theory of how to service DC electrical systems and perform battery service and boosting. |
1.5 |
|
This course explores plumbing systems and accessories for the recreation vehicle. You will discuss procedures for servicing potable water systems, wastewater systems, how to winterize and de-winterize plumbing systems as well as the specifics involved with holding tank monitoring systems. Procedures for installing appliance operations and accessories for the recreation vehicle will also be discussed. This includes the theory related to interior and exterior accessories as well as how to check for safety compliance. |
1.5 |
|
This applied course provides hands-on learning exercises within SAIT's recreation vehicle shop, allowing you to reinforce and demonstrate material covered in the theory courses. |
6 |
|
This course discusses mechanical and towing systems for recreation vehicles. Topics include how to wire a vehicle for towing, installing hitch and tow systems as well as servicing trailer brake systems and components. Material will also address inspecting trailer frames, servicing trailer suspension systems and identifying tires and tire wear patterns. |
1.5 |
|
This course introduces important safety legislation, regulations and industry policies in the workplace. Topics include climbing, lifting, rigging, hoisting, handling hazardous materials and fire protection. You will discuss tools and equipment for this trade, cleaning procedures for recreation vehicles and how to read a vehicle identification number. You will examine cutting and heating operations, explore commonly used software and record work performed as per a work order. |
1.5 |
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- a minimum of 50% in English 10-2, and
- a minimum of 50% in Math 10-3, and
- a minimum of 50% in one Grade 10 science course.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside of Alberta.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).
If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.
Available intakes
Spring 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
-
-
Application deadline: April 30, 2025
-
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $6,600 | $483 | $7,083 |
|
Total cost:
|
$7,083 | |||
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Steel-toe boots and safety glasses are recommended.
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Begin your application
Apply now using the online application portal.
Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
School of Transportation Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8471
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.