Parts/Service Management Programs
This page contains information on educational and training opportunities for all parts and service personnel, including Service and Parts Managers currently working in the RV industry.
For information on RV apprenticeship programs, please go to Become an apprentice.
For information on programs for RV service technicians, please go to Technician programs.
Professional Service Advisor (SAIT Polytechnic)
Leisure Vehicle-Recreation Vehicle Parts Sales (French only)
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
Mike Molino RV Learning Center
Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA): Distance Learning Network
Professional Service Advisor Certificate Course
This course is offered by the School of Transportation at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary, AB. Develop the skills to professionally interact with customers and technicians in the Recreation Vehicle industry. Learn how to manage daily transactions with service customers, build strong relations and develop high Customer Service Index (CSI) and repeat business through professional advising.
Action-based learning includes:
- Managing work orders
- Selling vehicle maintenance
- Communicating with customers, technicians, parts staff and management
- Service follow-up
- Addressing customer concerns
- Understanding gross profit and upsell
For more information, contact Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Studies
Leisure Vehicle – Recreation Vehicle Parts Sales (French only)
This project is part of the Programme de formations de courte durée privilégiant les stages dans les professions priorisées par la CPMT (COUD).
Purpose of the project
Train and integrate 28 motor vehicle parts and equipment sales advisors through an ATE Work-Study program in the Recreation Vehicle (RV) and Leisure Vehicle (LV) sectors, for which the participants are compensated for time spent in class and on the job.
Adapted LV and RV Training
This project seeks to train motor vehicle parts and equipment sales advisors in the LV and RV sectors.
Regions covered by this project:
• Estrie
• Montérégie
• Centre-du-Québec
Training
Training state date: August 30, 2021
Duration of training:
• 1095 hours of training**:
o 655 hours in class
o 440 hours on the job
**Designed on a seasonal basis, the courses have been structured so that theoretical training is provided in the virtual classroom during the sector’s quiet period (mainly in winter) and practical training is mainly provided on the job during operational periods (fall and spring).
Training sites:
• Centre d’excellence en formation professionnelle (Memphrémagog sector)
• Online
• In participating businesses
REGISTER
Employers Sought for this project
Compensation
• The participants are paid throughout the training.
• The participants must be employees of the business.
Two options are possible:
- the participant is already an employee of the business at the time of registration;
- the participant is twinned with the business at the beginning of the program;
In both cases, the participant has an employment relationship with the business.
- The employment relationship implies that the employer is in charge of the employee’s health and safety (CNESST), whether on the job or in class.
- Absences paid or not paid by the employer and shutdown weeks, such as the break or the Holiday period, are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Statutory holidays must be paid by the employer but are not eligible for reimbursement.
- The business that pays the wages will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $15 an hour per person. (The employer contributions are not eligible.)
I WANT TO REGISTER MY BUSINESS
More information
This project is made possible thanks to the joint initiatives of the Comité sectoriel de main-d’oeuvre des services automobiles (CSMO-Auto), the Centre de services scolaire des Sommets, the Centre d’excellence en formation professionnelle des Sommets (Memphrémagog sector), the Association des commerçants de véhicules récréatifs du Québec (ACVRQ) and the Association des concessionnaires de véhicules de loisirs du Québec (ACVLQ).
Parts Technician Apprenticeship Program
This apprenticeship program is offered by numerous institutions across Canada. Parts Technicians manage and disperse parts inventories, which may include automotive, heavy duty, agricultural, industrial, recreational vehicle, after-market, plumbing, electrical, etc. As a Parts Technician, you could find yourself responsible for stock handling, warehousing, identifying and cataloguing parts and assemblies as well as ordering, receiving, inspecting, sorting, pricing and selling. Experienced Parts Technicians may advance to management positions or outside sales roles.
The Parts Technician program is a three year Red Seal apprenticeship program.
KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERISTY
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
Foundation Program
NAIT
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
SAIT
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
LAKELAND COLLEGE
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
RED DEER COLLEGE
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE
Parts and Materials Technician Certificate
SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Parts Management Technician Certificate
SAULT COLLEGE
Parts Technician Apprenticeship
CENTRE DE FORMATION PROFESIONNELLE DE MEMPHREMAGOG
Conseil et vente de pièces déquipements motorisés
CENTRE DE FORMATION PROFESIONNELLE PAVILLION-DE-L’AVENIR
Conseil et vente de pièces déquipements motorisés
Mike Molino RV Learning Center
The Mike Molino RV Learning Center (RVLC) is an affiliation of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of America. RVLC offers technical publications, certification programs, online learning, and workshops, all designed exclusively for dealership staff. The professional development and educational resources offered by the Learning Center help dealers maintain professionalism and efficiency even as markets change.
Course materials are structured around the comprehensive job and task analysis developed by The Ohio State University’s Center on Education and Training for Employment, in conjunction with RV industry subject matter experts organized by the RV Learning Center. Fully interactive and easy to navigate, the courses offer audio voice over and numerous progress checks. Each course concludes with a timed, comprehensive final assessment.
Parts Manager Online Course
Top performing service and parts departments create confident and loyal customers. The Parts Specialist and Parts Manager online courses offer the best and brightest ideas from RV industry service experts. The four section Parts Manager course provides instruction on:
• Managing Customer Relations
• Managing Human Resources
• Managing Financial Resources
Topics in the parts manager course include merchandising the store, marketing and selling parts and accessories, and managing inventory.
Cost: US$150
NOTE: The Parts Manager Certification is not included in the course fee.
Register for Parts Manager online course
Parts Specialist Online Course
Available exclusively through the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the Parts Specialist online course covers 45 key competency areas and provides front-line people with the knowledge required to meet and exceed customer expectations. Developed by RV parts professionals for RV parts professionals, the course offers instruction on:
• Store merchandising
• Inventory management
• Online sales
• Seasonal promotions
• Over-the-counter sales
• Marketing parts and accessories
Multiple sections offer instruction on professionalism, inventory management, and customer service, and reinforce and drive home the top skillsets required of top-performing fixed operations personnel. Fully interactive and easy to navigate, the eight-course sections offer audio voice over and progress checks. It concludes with a timed, comprehensive final assessment.
Cost: US$150 NOTE: The Parts Specialist Certification is not included in the course fee.
Register for the Parts Specialist course
Service Writer/Advisor Online Course
Top performing service and parts departments create confident and loyal customers. The Mike Molino RV Learning Center is here to help you build a team of top performers. The new Service Writer/Advisor Online course offers the best and brightest ideas from RV industry service experts with instruction on:
• Improving customer satisfaction and community relations
• Organizing and managing appointments and workflow
• Generating additional services and revenue
• Coordinating with technicians and other departments
• Administrating and operating effectively
• Building trust and rapport
This course will help new service writers/advisors get the principle-based professional foundation they need to be successful. While those with more experience will benefit from being reminded of core principles needed to create confident and loyal customers. Nine modules covering 43 key competency areas will prepare your front-line people with the knowledge required to meet and exceed customer and dealership expectations on a day-to-day basis. Course materials are structured around the comprehensive RV service writer/advisor job and task analysis developed by The Ohio State University’s Center on Education and Training for Employment, in conjunction with RV industry subject matter experts organized by the RV Learning Center. Download course outline
Fully interactive and easy to navigate, it offers audio voice-over and numerous progress checks. Multiple sections on customer service reinforce and drive-home one of the top skill sets required of top performing fixed operations personnel. The course concludes with a timed, comprehensive final assessment. The course takes about 5 hours to complete. Certified service writers/advisors and parts specialists will earn 5 continuing credit hours toward recertification. Learners have until December 31 to complete the course and print a certificate of completion. No course transfers.
Cost: US$150
Register for the Service Writer/Advisor Online Course
Certifications
There are 5 certification tests available for parts and service personnel. The credentials are designed to recognize individuals employed in the RV industry that demonstrate a thorough knowledge of their jobs and a commitment to professionalism. The Learning Center partnered with The Ohio State University’s Center for Education and Training for Employment to develop Certifications, Competency Profiles, and instructional materials in the following areas:
Eligibility
Parts Specialist, Service Writer/Advisor, and Warranty Administrator certifications are appropriate for individuals currently employed in the industry with at least one year of service, parts, warranty department, or related industry experience.
Management-level parts and service personnel with at least two years work experience in RV service, parts, or related industry, and possess the necessary supervisory and budget planning knowledge, are eligible for the Parts Manager and Service Manager certifications.
Cost
- Service and Parts Manager Certification test fee: US$249
- Parts Specialist, Service Writer/Advisor, and Warranty Administrator certifications test fee: US$199
- Readiness test fee: US$25. This fee is deducted from the certification test fee if the certification test is taken within 6 months.
How to Prepare for Certification
Certification includes a rigorous testing process ensuring dealers that certified staff are knowledgeable in their field according to industry standards, and displayed in each position’s Competency Profile. Review the Certification FAQ regarding the application and testing process as well as test results.
Resources to prepare working professionals for certification:
- Complement existing in-house training programs. RV industry trainers will often use the Guides as supporting materials. Guide books are not included in test fee and are available in CD-ROM or print formats.
- All orders for Canada are processed by RVDA of Canada
Online Readiness Tests or pre-assessments help individuals assess their job knowledge and preparedness for certification.
RV Training Calendar
RV Industry Training Calendar offers information about classroom and online training programs available throughout North America in all categories of training including: Dealer/GM, Sales, Service, RV service technician, Parts, F&I, Rental.
Manufacturer, supplier, distributor, and professional RV industry trainers help certification candidates build on their base of on-the-job experience with formal, structured training.
Spader Business Management
Spader Business Management works with niche markets such as farm equipment, marine, motorcoach, office furniture, powersports, RV and trailer industries. Their knowledge of best business practices can be applied to a number of industries.
Parts & Accessories Management Workshop
Profit Track: Parts and Accessories Sales
A World of Training
A World of Training offers training in variable and fixed operations in numerous formats and settings.
Current workshop information is available on A World of Training’s website.
Complete Service Advisor sales training
Complete Parts Counter sales training
