Apprenticeship Programs

What is apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary pathway consisting of on-the-job training provided by an employer and technical training delivered at a college or vocational school. The training combines alternating periods of on-the-job (80 to 85%) and technical training (15 to 20%).

Requirements for each trade vary, but most trades require six to ten weeks of technical training each year.  On average, RV service technician technical training spans 8 weeks per period of training. Technical training can occur at a college, a private training institute, or online. While attending technical training, apprentices may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits. While most apprenticeship programs are four years in length, the RV service technician apprenticeship program is three years. Once the apprentice completes the required technical training and on-the-job work experience hours or modules, the apprentice can write the exam for the Certificate of Qualification for a particular province/territory. There are many benefits to this form of training including certification, earn while you learn, good pay and exciting career opportunities.

Apprenticeship programs for the RV service technician trade are currently offered in BC and Alberta.  RV service technician is a designated Red Seal trade in all provinces in Canada.

With an excellent training opportunity and prospect for advancement, RV service technician apprentices complete the program with job-ready skills and little debt when compared to graduates in a non-skilled-trades program.  According to the 2020 Economic Impact Study of the Canadian Recreation Vehicle Industry, the Recreation Vehicle sector is a $6.2 billion industry. With approximately 2.1 million (or 14% of) Canadian households own an RV, there is a great demand for qualified, competent RV service technicians.

Here are some common apprenticeship terminologies:

Apprentice

An apprentice is a paid employee who works under the supervision of a certified journeyperson to learn the skills of their trade. Approximately 80% of their time is spent on the job and 20% in technical training. An apprentice must be registered with the regional apprenticeship authority and fulfill all requirements established by their province or territory. Apprentices often qualify for financial supports, including Employment Insurance while in school.

Journeyperson
A journeyperson has completed all training requirements to be certified and has passed a certification exam. They may act as a mentor to a registered apprentice in addition to working in their trade. As mentors, they provide opportunities for their apprentice to complete the tasks required at each level of the apprenticeship program and will sign-off when these competencies are achieved. They play an important role in developing apprentice skill sets.

Skilled Trades
The skilled trades encompass a broad range of hands-on occupations in four main sectors: construction, manufacturing, motive power and service. There are more than 300 skilled trades occupations recognized across Canada, though not all trades are designated in every province or territory. Contact the apprenticeship authority in your region to learn more about apprentice-able trades in your province or territory.

Apprenticeship Authorities
Each province and territory in Canada has a regulatory system that administers apprenticeship training for the skilled trades. These authorities determine the educational requirements, program length, competencies and processes for undertaking an apprenticeship in their region. Authorities uphold program standards, preside over examinations and issue Certificates of Qualification.

Log Book
A log book is often provided by the apprenticeship authority when an apprentice is registered. The log book outlines the skills associated with the skilled trade. As an apprentice develops new skills, their journeyperson mentor signs to indicate that the competency has been achieved, providing a record of the apprentice’s progress. Hours worked are also recorded. While the log book is traditionally paper-based, electronic versions may be available.

Red Seal Program
The Interprovincial Red Seal Program is a national standard of excellence. Established to ensure certified tradespeople were mobile across Canada, the Red Seal is now recognized by employers as an indication that a journeyperson has met a common standard of knowledge and experience in their trade. The Red Seal is an endorsement to the provincial/territorial certificate of qualification provided upon passing the Red Seal exam with a score of at least 70%.

Apprenticeship offers many exciting opportunities

See for yourself why an apprenticeship in the RV Service Technician trade is a great post-secondary option! Watch the video below for a quick overview of a career working with recreation vehicles. The numerous skilled trades involved in the one trade as well as other positions to move into for a rewarding career in the RV sector.

Are you ready for apprenticeship training?

Many individuals enter an apprenticeship with no prior skilled trades experience. Most apprentices would agree that with the right attitude and willingness to learn and challenge oneself, you will succeed in the skilled trades sector.

An essential skills self-assessment for the skilled trades is available to help individuals and organizations assess essential skills for success in apprenticeship training and for a career in the trades.