RV Industry's Record Growth Creates

Many Job Opportunities

 

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As the industry builds more recreational vehicles, openings abound for new RV service technicians. In recent years, community and technical colleges through a nationwide[US] RV service technician traing programs have provided a steady stream of RV service technicians to the RV industry. The National Recreation Vehicle Technical Institute (NRVTI) offers an RV industry-developed curriculum that trains students in the diverse technical fields required of an RV service technician.

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The RV industry has discovered that the NRVTI program is an effective tool to attract new workers to the industry. "Many students learn about RV career opportunities when they come across the RV-related curriculum offered by the community colleges in our program," says Steve Plemmons, who owns an RV dealership in North Carolina and works closely with Forsyth Technical College in Winston-Salem. "These training programs are definitely attracting people to work in our industry."

...Because technology is constantly changing, the RV industry has developed education programs to provide continual training to increase the knowledge and skills required of RV service technicians. RV techs works on very sophisticated machines that include intricate electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

"Kids are naturally drawn to cars, but we are developing ways to reach young people about the career opportunities in the RV field, especially the need for technicians," says Crounse. "We stress the value of continual RV education and learning technical skills that people will be able to use throughout their lives. Good RV techs are always in demand."

Bruce Antonwich, 48, spent 23 years in the printing business before he decided to switch careers in 2003. He enrolled in the NRVTI program at Northampton Community College in at Bethlehem, Pa where he learned to become a service technician and ultimately earn certification by RVIA. As a student, Antonwich got hands-on training at DeWalt's RV dealership in Easton, Pa. where he's now a full-time employee. He enjoys his new trade and is glad he made the career switch.

"I love the day-to-day challenge of maintaining and repairing RVs," says Antonwich. "One thing I like about it is not doing the same thing every day. I also enjoy interacting with our customers, talking to them and explaining how their RV systems work. I hope I can continue doing this until I retire..."

 

Reprinted with permission from RVBasics

 

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Move over, men

Women RV technicians are finding satisfaction and respect in the industry

by Sandra Albers 

Heather Arthurson and Tori Deeg are two women working in a male-dominated field. Their advice for other women considering a career as an RV service technician? Just do it.

 

 

Women's Work:Heather Arthurson is the service manager at Pik-a-Dilly RV Centre in Brandon

 

 

 

      

                    photo courtesy Pik-a-Dilly RV Centre

Arthurson works as service manager and technician at Pik-a-Dilly RV Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, while Deeg is an apprentice service technician at Bucars RV in Balzac, north of Calgary, Alberta.

With 16 years in the industry under her belt, Arthurson remembers the days when customers would ask to speak to a guy.

“Today, a lot now ask for me, which is very flattering,” she said. “I’ve gained their confidence.”

Deeg said she’s experienced little resistance as the only female service tech in a group of eight in the Bucars shop.

“I’ve been lucky,” she said. “I haven’t heard any comments like, ‘You’re just a girl.’ ”

Arthurson noted that some people do continue to see RV tech work as a man’s job.

“No, it’s not a man’s job,” she said. “Anyone can do it. You do have to be a little mechanically inclined. I grew up on a farm, so I’m used to being outside and getting dirty. It’s no big deal to be pulling wrenches.”

Deeg said she likes the variety—one day she might be doing electrical work, the next day, carpentry. Arthurson said some jobs take several weeks; at other times, service techs might complete seven or eight small work orders in a day.

Arthurson started out cleaning RVs, then trained to become a pre-delivery inspection technician and later achieved master certification. Deeg, who previously worked as an auto and boat detailer, has learned the ropes on the job, but plans to take further training at Calgary’s Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

 

Reprinted with Permission from RVwest.com

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Male colleagues supportive

Several things come to mind when you think of the RV industry

by Samara Cygman As featured on RV Living July 13, 2007

                                           

                                          As a female RV service technician at

                                         Bucar's RV, Tori Deeg's a rare sight to

                                         behold, but she doesn't let it bother her.

                                         In fact, she says her male colleages have

                                         been nothing but supportive.

                                                     -Robin Kuninski, Sun Media

It might conjure up images of camping in the wilderness, friendly salespeople in dealership showrooms or technicians doing regular maintenance on your recreational vehicle.

But one thing the RV industry isn't, is female-dominated.

That doesn't bother the women, however.

Tori Deeg, RV service technician at Bucars RV, says despite the fact many of her co-workers are of the male persuasion, she finds it a non-threatening, encouraging environment to work in.

"I'm not as mechanically inclined as a guy my age would be, but everybody's been very supportive," she says.

Deeg is enrolled in the registered apprenticeship program at SAIT and will soon be a fully licenced technician.

"You write some tests, take some courses and once you pass everything you're a licensed technician. It means you know your stuff and get treated a little better, just like any other trade."

Lorna Skeith, service technician at Fraserway RV, wanted to combine her knowledge of carpentry, electrical and plumbing and turned to the RV industry.

The single mother of four found the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry had little to do with her co-workers and more to do with herself.

"My challenges are my own - I know I need a lot of hands-on repetition," she says. "The guys all want to help me and encourage me to do what I can and learn before coming to them for help."