Recreation Vehicle Service Technician National Occupational Analysis (NOA)

Table of Contents

• Occupational Analyses Series
• Products
• General Information
• Scope
• Occupational Observations
• Essential Skills Summary
• Acknowledgements

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis (NOA) as the national standard for the occupation of Recreation Vehicle Service Technician.

General Information

• NOA History
• Structure of Analysis
• Development and Validation of Analysis
• Safety

Scope

“Recreation Vehicle Service Technicians” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by recreation vehicle service technicians whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Recreation vehicle (RV) service technicians work on systems and components of recreation vehicles, including electrical components, plumbing, propane gas components, appliances, exterior and interior components, structural frames and towing systems. They diagnose, repair, replace, install, adjust, test, maintain and modify these components and systems. They may also perform maintenance and repairs on trailer frames and running gear. They must be knowledgeable about each system’s function and the interaction among various systems. However, it is important to note that they do not work on the motor or drive train components.

Recreation vehicles serviced in this trade include: class A, B, B+ and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, park model trailers, truck campers and tent trailers. RV service technicians also work on toy haulers, utility trailers, flat deck trailers, construction living trailers and an assortment of mobile vehicles.

While recreation vehicle service technicians are experienced in all facets of the trade, many may develop specialized skills in areas such as electronics, appliances, hitching systems, and interior and exterior finishing.

Recreation vehicle service technicians are typically employed at RV dealerships, independent RV repair shops, RV manufacturers and may also be self-employed. They may work at indoor shops and outdoors at RV sites. Safety is important due to risks and hazards such as working at heights, with electricity, with explosive and volatile materials, and under vehicles.

Some important attributes include service, mechanical and mathematical skills, manual dexterity, an ability to plan and think sequentially and an ability to work as a team member. Customer relations skills are critical when providing on-site services. Sales skills are required when performing maintenance tasks and assisting customers with making decisions related to repair options.

The functions of recreation vehicle service technicians may overlap with a number of other trades such as partsperson, automotive service technician, electrician, plumber, gas fitter, carpenter, floorcovering installer, sheet metal worker, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, welder, motor vehicle body repairer, small engine repairer and appliance service technician.

Experienced recreation vehicle service technicians may advance to supervisory or training positions. They may also move into positions with manufacturers, wholesalers and sales divisions of RV dealerships.

Occupational Observations

The popularity of RVs is increasing. Because of this trend, technicians are required to have a wider range of skills. As well, many RVs are being constructed from more environmental friendly and light-weight construction materials. The variety of after-market products continues to grow. There is an increased use of residential style conveniences in RVs such as multi-media, satellite systems, electric fireplaces, and automated and remote control conveniences. As the RV trade is becoming more complex, RV consumers are less likely to work on their units.

The RV industry continues to be more safety conscious and is working with governing bodies to improve safety regulations.

Computerized testing equipment, including the use of handheld diagnostic computers, is becoming more popular. Advanced training in the use of complex electronics, computerized systems and schematics is required.

Appliances are often remote controlled and self-diagnosing. Electronic components are becoming smaller and self-diagnostics are being integrated into the controls, resulting in easier diagnosis. The use of fibre optics and LEDs is increasing. On-board fueling stations are becoming a trend in RVs.

More training options are becoming available to technicians including blended learning which combines e-learning and formal classroom training.

Essential Skills Summary

Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.

A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:

• understand how essential skills are used in the trades;
• learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
• improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.

Tools are available online or for order.

The essential skills profile for the recreation vehicle service technician trade indicates that the most important essential skills are document use, oral communication and thinking skills (problem solving).

The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the competency statements which support each subtask of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills.

• Reading

  Recreation vehicle service technicians read labels on products and decals on equipment for instructions. They read code books, service bulletins, technical update sheets, work orders and recall notices from manufacturers. They also read service memos, warranty information, and faxes or notes from customers describing a problem. Recreation vehicle service technicians also read manuals for training purposes for example, when learning how to repair new or unfamiliar systems, or equipment.

• Document Use

  Recreation vehicle service technicians refer to WHMIS labels and MSDS for information on how to handle, dispose of or mix products. They refer to code books, charts, checklists and work schedules. They also refer to these work orders to determine what repairs need to be done. Recreation vehicle service technicians complete work orders, including information about problems encountered, the cause and how the issues were resolved. They also complete time sheets to record or track tasks done from a number of work orders.

  Recreation vehicle service technicians may draw or read sketches to clarify steps in a procedure, refer to troubleshooting charts to diagnose a problem, or refer to assembly diagrams and blueprints when installing equipment

• Writing

  Recreation vehicle service technicians write notes to themselves, other co-workers and service managers about job details, customer requests, deadlines or supplies. They enter information in work orders to keep a record of tasks done for warranty purposes. They also write the reasons for recommending a particular procedure. They may also write warranty reports.

• Numeracy

  Recreation vehicle service technicians measure size and location openings such as for appliances and accessories. They also measure weights, voltage, amperage, resistance and pressures using various tools and equipment such as scales, volt-ohm meters (VOMs) and gauges. They develop a materials list based on this information. They may also estimate how much time it will take to complete various jobs.

• Oral Communication

  Recreation vehicle service technicians call suppliers to obtain information about products. They also talk to other staff to clarify orders, to discuss complex repair problems and to provide explanations of service. They communicate with customers to explain features and to demonstrate proper operation of a system. They also explain and present to them repair options. This communication is done with tact and respect for customers. Recreation vehicle service technicians may also instruct and direct the work and learning of apprentices in the shop.

• Thinking Skills

  Recreation vehicle service technicians use problem solving skills to assess problems with the vehicle, its components, equipment or appliances. They consider information provided to them by the customer to determine causes of a malfunction. They often depend on their experience, knowledge and observations to diagnose and repair problems as service manuals may not cover all possible issues. They may have to design replacement pieces that are no longer available. They also carry out detailed troubleshooting techniques to deal with unexpected problems or unique difficulties, for example when making customized changes to a recreation vehicle, when diagnosing recurring electrical failures or when locating the source of a leak. They will research information in service manuals, contact manufacturers’ technical support lines, or consult with co-workers to help resolve problems.

  Recreation vehicle service technicians use decision making skills to decide which tools and supplies to use, and which to bring on a service call. They also decide what repair or reconstruction to recommend taking into consideration time, cost and safety.

• Working with Others

  Recreation vehicle service technicians work as part of a team which includes other technicians, service managers, salespersons, partspersons, shop foremen, cleanup staff and, on occasion, mechanics. However, they usually work independently on the several tasks on the particular unit assigned to them. They coordinate tasks with others as necessary and sometimes work with a partner, for example, when blocking a trailer, installing insulation or stripping a roof. They may work alone on a service call.

• Computer Use

  Recreation vehicle service technicians may use computer applications. For example, they may use handheld computers to do diagnostic work, such as using a tester for refrigerators. They may have access to service and repair information through DVD or the Internet. They may also use point of sale computer programs.

• Continuous Learning

  Recreation vehicle service technicians learn continuously through hands-on experiences with a range of repairs. They learn from co-workers as a first resource. They read service manuals, wiring diagrams and schematics sent by manufacturers. They participate in training courses provided by manufacturers and suppliers. Recreation vehicle service technicians also learn from training material and information sources through multi-media training tools sent from manufacturers and from their customers who can give the history of repairs and modifications.

Acknowledgements

The CCDA and HRSDC wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.

Special acknowledgement is extended by HRSDC and the CCDA to the following representatives from the trade.

• Mike Bretecher - Manitoba
• Darren Gautreau - New Brunswick
• George Goodrick - Nova Scotia
• Darrel Gordon - Alberta
• Kari Jeffcott - British Columbia
• Kevin J. Martin - Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada
• Jamie Russell - Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada
• Richard Willard - Manitoba

This analysis was prepared by the Labour Market Integration Directorate of HRSDC. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division. The host jurisdiction of Alberta also participated in the development of this NOA.

Comments or questions about NOAs may be forwarded to:

Trades and Apprenticeship Division
Labour Market Integration Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 6^th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9
Email: redseal-sceaurouge@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca