The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada used the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto to introduce more than 1,000 students to career opportunities in the recreation vehicle industry through an interactive workforce development showcase.
Held May 28-29 at the Enercare Centre, the Skills Canada National Competition brought together more than 500 competitors from across Canada to compete in 45 skilled trade and technology disciplines.
The event also attracted an estimated 10,000 visiting students, along with representatives from industry, labor, government, education and non-profit organizations who participated in more than 50 Try-A-Trade activities.
RVDA of Canada and its workforce development brand, RV Careers, featured a hands-on exhibit built around the theme “Plan the Journey. Build the Career.”
The activity was designed to demonstrate how planning and organization are essential skills in RV industry roles, including service scheduling, parts management, diagnostics and customer service operations.
According to a press release, Anita Lien, director of marketing and communications for RVDA of Canada, said the showcase provided many students with their first exposure to both skilled trades and the RV sector.
“It’s a myth that younger students aren’t thinking about their future,” Lien said. “For many, our booth is their first time handling tools or stepping inside an RV to see the immense craftsmanship behind the scenes. Our role is to raise that awareness, helping students imagine these career possibilities while showing educators the reality of what drives the great Canadian outdoors.”
The booth included a Prolite Evasion travel trailer manufactured in Canada, giving students an opportunity to explore an RV and learn about the work involved in building and maintaining the vehicles.
According to RVDA of Canada, many visitors and educators were surprised to learn that certified RV service technicians must master elements of up to 27 skilled trades to support modern RV systems.
Chardell Brydon, chair of the RVDA of Canada Education Committee, said increased exposure to hands-on learning can help students better understand career opportunities in the trades.
“We want to encourage educators to bring more practical, hands-on learning into the modern classroom,” Brydon said. “It is vital that we encourage students to explore the incredible, high-tech opportunities within the skilled trades, rather than assuming university is the only path to a successful and fulfilling career.”
The organization said the outreach effort aligns with future workforce development initiatives. The Ontario RVDA is developing a new RV technician training pathway that will combine industry-focused technical education with online and in-person learning for Levels 1 and 2.
The phased rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027 and will align with current propane training and examination requirements before integrating the full program.