Meet our team: Colin Mallett

Colin Mallett
Trainer and Assessor for Recreational Vehicle Service & Repair

The recreational vehicle (caravanning and camping) marketplace is one of the fastest growing segments of the Australian tourism and leisure industry. Whilst caravanning and camping is not a new pastime, in fact its roots are firmly entrenched in Australian culture, the popularity of caravanning and camping underwent a resurgence recently due to the confluence of modern innovation, style, luxury, and Australia’s love of the outdoors. The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic made domestic, non-airline travel even more attractive to many.

Ninety percent of Australia’s recreational vehicle manufacturers and retail dealerships call the state of Victoria home. With purchases at an all-time high, and predicted to get even higher, the need to service, repair and keep these vehicles (which can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase) running efficiently and safely, is paramount. This ranges from keeping maintenance current, resolving mechanical and technical faults, and body repair work resulting from normal wear and tear. The industry has capable technicians to service recreational vehicles but are finding it difficult to keep up with demand.

Skillinvest offer a tailored on the job program to upskill technicians currently working in the industry to give them a higher standard of nationally recognised excellence across the marketplace, the Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair. The program also allows recreational vehicle service and repair outfits to train up new entrants to the industry through a nationally recognised traineeship.

Skillinvest are fortunate to have the one of the best people in the industry delivering this important training. Colin Mallett came to Skillinvest with 20 plus years of experience behind him in the industry to help drive the development of training resources unique to the recreational vehicle industry.

We sat down with Colin to ask him about his experience in the industry, and the exciting future that lies ahead.

How did you get involved in the Recreational Vehicle industry and what was your first role?

After leaving the marine leisure industry (boating), I took a role as the Service Manager at Roberts Winnebago and in the first year I was awarded Winnebago Employee of the Year whilst Roberts Winnebago was awarded Dealership of the Year and Service Centre of the Year.

How did you become a trainer/assessor in the industry?

After a few years in the industry, I became frustrated at the number of technicians that didn’t have the correct skills or knowledge to carry out the work on caravans. Potentially, in my opinion, putting the safety of caravanning customers at risk due to not having the opportunity to be properly trained to a national standard in the industry, which is no fault of their own. The same way that car mechanics are now trained, even though there are some overlaps in the two trades, working on a caravan is very different to working on a car. This is why I became passionate about the training side of the industry; we need to be able to offer the industry a way to be properly trained to a national Australian standard.

What is the benefit for all RV technicians to get a nationally recognised Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair?

The benefit of having a nationally recognised Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair is that the RV business can promote that their workshop or service centre has fully qualified technicians, which communicates a certainty that the customer’s service will be to the correct industry standard, and their “pride and joy” is in good professional hands.

How do you keep your own skills and your connection with the industry up to date?

I remain current in the industry by attending industry forums, and I also run my own comprehensive mobile repair service on weekends. The services I provide include carrying out electrical and plumbing repairs and retrofitting both ESCs (Electronic Stability Control) and ATCs (Alco Trailer Control) from a reputable manufacturer called Alco.

What type of person would excel in this industry as a tradesperson, and what qualities should they possess?

In my opinion the right person for the job would be honest, hard-working, have the ability to think outside the box for solutions and treat every job as if it were their own RV.

What do you see for the future of the recreational vehicle industry five years from now?

I think five years from now the recreational vehicle industry will be full of leading technology. I believe that for manufacturers and dealerships, there will be a strong focus on customer service and warranty assistance. Customer satisfaction is going to be the key objective, and the businesses that get this right will thrive.

Besides recreational vehicles, what hobbies/activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

My passion is camping in the outdoors and fishing. Whenever I throw in a line on the riverbank, I relax and just enjoy the “me” time. It’s very special and revitalising.

Why would you recommend Skillinvest to people and employers looking for recreational vehicle industry training?

I would recommend Skillinvest for training because they have a very hands-on approach to their training. Skillinvest has over 35 years’ experience in the training industry. I love the RV industry, and my vision is to have fully trained and qualified technicians in every service centre. Skillinvest is the provider that can deliver on this vision. Whether the students have just started or have been in the industry for many years, we can all grow and learn during an incredible journey. I believe you never stop learning, and that’s why this industry is so alive.

We would like to thank Colin for his time and sharing. Skillinvest is offering the Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31015) qualification as an on-the-job program, which means we come to you to train your workers. Please contact us to find out more about this program and how we can train your staff, get them qualified, and add that competitive edge to your recreational vehicle business.

This Nationally Recognised Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Skillinvest is a Registered Training Organisation, RTO code 4192.