A New Generation of RV Technicians: Q&A with Emily Ball
The RV industry is undergoing a transformation, with increasing diversity among its workforce. Traditionally dominated by men, the industry is now welcoming more women into skilled trades like RV technician. Emily Ball, a Red Seal technician at Family First Mobile RV, is a prime example of a woman who has successfully navigated this field. Her journey, from having no prior experience to becoming a skilled professional, highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by women in the RV industry.
RVDA: Tell us about your start in the RV industry?
E: I started my career in the industry by knowing nothing about it. I didn't even realize it was a trade, let alone a Red Seal trade. I was drawn to it just for the broad scope of the work that we perform. It has many trades incorporated into one. I kind of just jumped right in. My initial training was the six month foundation program that Okanagan College offered, and I just jumped in with no prior training or post-secondary education.
R: Not having any experience, what drawn you to it?
E: Well, I always enjoyed working with my hands. I grew up on a farm, so I had some base knowledge. You know, wanting to fix things and find solutions for that. I always knew that I wanted to go into a trade. I just didn't know which one.
R: Do you recall the first days in when you began your apprenticeship? What was that like?
E: My apprenticeship was pretty smooth sailing. I would say for the first two years, you really just gain that base foundation of the different trades. I was lucky enough to have had two really good mentors to learn under. That definitely helped me grow into the technician that I am. The apprenticeship was really good. Returning to school for the second and third years was also really beneficial to my learning and gaining more knowledge.
R: How much time did you spend in the school?
E: Each school term is eight weeks long. I believe there are two school terms in a school year; one in the spring, and one in the winter. Schools are in session during the off-season, which is nice. So, you can go back to school, acquire new knowledge, and then apply it to your job to grow professionally.
R: As a technician, how would you describe a typical day?
E: I would respond by saying no. Every day is different and sometimes you can work on anywhere between one to five different units in a day, all of which have different issues needing your attention. RV service needs vary depending on usage, customer preferences, and the RV's features. There are many different factors to consider. So, there's definitely no typical day. I work in a service shop, so it is much less structured compared a dealership environment.
R: Do you have many opportunities to interact directly with customers?
E: When working in a dealership you don't deal with customers regularly, maybe every now and then. Compared to working in a dealership, mobile service offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with customers. This can be beneficial in many ways, as it allows you to ask specific questions and obtain firsthand information.
R: Have you experienced any challenges as a female technician?
E: While there have always been challenges for women in trades, I've found that things have improved significantly in recent years The stigma associated with women in this field seems to be fading. Personally, there's only been a couple instances where people are maybe a little bit hesitant and questioned my abilities. They would ask, “is she capable of that? Does she know what she's doing?” Once I demonstrate my skills and complete the job, their attitude usually shifts, and they become quite impressed.
R: How would you describe the changes in RV technology?
E: keeping up with the latest technology is definitely challenging. I know that all technicians are challenged when new products come out. The new technology often involves software. In high-end units, there are many systems that enable you to control things from your phone. And when that doesn't work, what do you do? There is a shift towards more electronics. So, the RV technicians need to stay up to date with not only hardware but also software troubleshooting and diagnostics.
R: How do you continue to stay on top of all the new information and develop new skills while working full time?
E: Product training is available to all technicians to keep up with the skills and product knowledge that are required. The training is available in-person and online so you can enroll yourself in that to keep up to date with the anything new.
R: What do you find most rewarding about being a technician?
E: The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to help people solve problems, especially when they're on vacation. It's incredibly satisfying to be able to assist them, save their day, and ensure they can enjoy their trip. It’s gratifying to be able to find solutions to their issues and receive their gratitude for fixing the problems and get them back on the road.
R: What would you say to women that are possibly thinking about getting into the skilled trades, but are very apprehensive since there's still very few females and they're just not sure if they're cut out for it?
E: My advice would be that the times are changing. It's not as stereotypical as it may once have been. I've never had an issue being a woman in trades. While some individuals may have faced challenges, I've personally never had any issues. In my experience, many people are very welcoming to women in trades. There's no longer the stigma that there once was. I was welcomed with open arms by everybody. It was a good feeling learning alongside all the men that are also going through the apprenticeship program. I was also treated with the same respect as my male colleagues. It was great.