OCNews

Katelyn DiMarcello loves to take full advantage of all that the Okanagan has to offer. She spends most of her free time outside — hiking with her dogs, skiing, paddle boarding or running. She’s someone who likes to move, explore and figure things out. So, when she realized that her first path after high school wasn’t the right fit, she knew she needed a program that matched her curiosity and drive.

She found it in the skilled trades at Okanagan College through the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician program.

The RV Service Technician program is a hands-on, problem-solving skilled trade that blends electrical, carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair and diagnostics. And it was right up Katelyn’s alley. “It has a bunch of different trades you get to learn,” she said. “That’s what drew me in.”

Now, going into her third year of the program, Katelyn says the learning has challenged her in the best way. The hardest part? “Maintaining consistency and motivation,” she admitted. The most rewarding? Discovering a passion she didn’t expect. “I’m surprised with how much I enjoy this skilled trade.”

She appreciates her RV instructor, Victor Flint, for taking the time to explain and go over things clearly. “It makes a big difference,” said Katelyn.

Katelyn is now an RV Service Technician apprentice, which involves a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to Red Seal endorsement. “The training at OC has set me up well to dive right into the RV industry,” she said. “The skills we learn, especially critical thinking and problem solving, prepare you for real-life situations.”

For future students, Katelyn’s advice is simple: “Concentrate, put the time in, take it seriously — and enjoy it. It goes by fast.”