Building a Career on Wheels: Inside the RV Apprenticeship Program at Vancouver Island University
The recreation vehicle industry is a vibrant and growing sector, one that depends on a highly skilled and specialized workforce to keep it moving. On Vancouver Island, that workforce is being built from the ground up through the RV Service Technician program at Vancouver Island University (VIU). At the helm is instructor Kurtis Shaw, a seasoned professional who has dedicated his career to advancing the trade and inspiring the next generation of technicians.
Drive through any neighborhood, in any city or town in BC and across Canada and you’ll see RVs—they are part of how Canadians spend time outdoors.
- Kurtis Shaw
A Career Born from the Shop Floor
Kurtis’ path to teaching began in 2007, when he started his apprenticeship at Arbutus RV on Vancouver Island. He completed his apprenticeship levels back-to-back, gaining comprehensive experience in everything from construction to electrical systems. His earlier work in other trades—including time at a tire shop and two parts stores after high school—gave him a well-rounded perspective. This diverse, hands-on background built the foundation he now draws on to guide and inspire a new generation of technicians.
From a Blank Page to a Full-Fledged Program
The RV Service Technician Program at VIU began as little more than an idea. “The very first day I had a piece of paper with a title on it,” Kurtis recalled of the program’s inception. With no textbooks or existing teaching resources, he built everything from the ground up—every slideshow, quiz, and lesson plan—drawing on the guidance of the program chair and colleagues from across VIU’s trades programs.
Collaboration has been at the heart of the program’s growth. Based in the heavy mechanical trades building, Kurtis and his students regularly connect with instructors from heavy duty mechanical, automotive, carpentry, electrical, and marine programs. As he explains, an RV is “a little bit of each of these trades,” and having access to that collective expertise has been “a huge help.”
Hands-On Learning with a Purpose
The VIU RV Service Technician program is built on a philosophy of practical, hands-on learning. Students work directly with real-world equipment, thanks to generous donations of trailers, fifth wheels, and campers from local dealers, service centers and members of the community. “The students can take parts from any of our units to service, clean and adjust, then re-install. We can also use the RVs as a foundation to build from, fresh and new. This gives our students a comprehensive understanding from acquired to applied knowledge,” explained Kurtis.
Beyond the standard curriculum, students also have opportunities to take on special projects at the end of each term to reinforce their skills. These projects often involve building mock-up diagnostic units that simulate real-world problems. For example, one student created a mobile furnace diagnostic board that allows the instructor to introduce faults, challenging students to troubleshoot issues using service manuals. Projects like these not only deepen technical knowledge but also give students a strong sense of accomplishment.
Teamwork is another cornerstone of the program. Students are paired to work on projects in the shop and class which, encourages collaboration, communication, and the development of lasting friendships. This team-based, project-driven approach ensures that graduates are not only technically skilled but also workplace-ready.
Mentoring the Next Generation
While working at Arbutus RV, Kurtis made it a priority to mentor young people starting out in the industry. He often reached out to students or recent high school graduates working as lot attendants or in the detailing department, inviting them into the service shop to observe, ask questions, and discover what the trade had to offer. For those who showed genuine interest, Kurtis provided small hands-on tasks, encouraging their curiosity and helping them build the foundational skills needed to pursue a future in RV service.
Life on Island Time
Beyond the shop time and class time, VIU provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students. Located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, the campus is easily reached by air or ferry. On-campus housing is available, and many students also find success with short-term rentals or basement suites within the city.
Campus life is always busy with students hanging and enjoy time outside the classroom. Students can join clubs, stay active at the gym, take part in cultural events, or head outdoors to explore the island. With spots like the VIU Student Union Pub and events such as VIU Fest, there are plenty of chances to connect and feel part of the community.
To ease the high cost of tools, the program also partners with local businesses such as KMS Tools to provide students with a discount, helping them build their toolkits as they train.
A Promising Future for the RV Trade
Kurtis is passionate about the future of the RV trade and is committed to raising awareness of its potential as a Red Seal, nationally recognized career. He highlights the variety of work involved, pointing out that it’s not always “greasy stuff.” Technicians may find themselves installing entertainment systems, solar panels, or complex electrical components, making each project unique and rewarding.
For Kurtis, every RV represents tremendous opportunities with repairs and servicing. “Each unit is always in need of ongoing maintenance and possible upgrades.” Under his leadership, he hopes to attract more students from across Canada to discover the joy of working in the RV industry.
“Camping is never going to go away,” he says confidently. “Drive through any neighborhood, in any city or town in BC and across Canada and you’ll see RVs—they are part of how Canadians spend time outdoors.”
