How Do I Become an Appliance Technician?
An appliance technician repairs and maintains a variety of home and commercial appliances such as refrigeration units, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, cooktop stoves and microwave ovens. Training is offered through high school vocational or community college programs or may be provided by your employer. Manufacturing companies offer seminars to teach technicians repair and maintain new appliances and accessories.
Appliance Technician Training
Depending on the types of appliances you want to repair, education and training may include coursework at local colleges or vocational program or hands-on training through your employer. If you want to repair small appliances such as microwaves or small ovens, an apprenticeship and hands-on training may be all that is required of your employer. If you want to repair larger appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers, additional training from manufacturers or vocational training combined with an apprenticeship may be necessary. Training seminars and day courses are frequently given in department stores or manufacturing plants to help technicians learn repair new appliance models. Increase your knowledge by reading appliance manuals, attending seminars and keeping up on the latest appliance trends.
Apprenticeship
As an apprentice, you will have exposure to many types of appliances. To become an appliance technician, you will have to learn read appliance schematics (drawings) and manuals, troubleshoot problems by making sure all wiring is connected and learning disassemble and reassemble an appliance when looking for internal issues. Apprenticeships include going to appointments with experienced technicians to learn customer service skills in addition to repair skills. An apprenticeship can last for a few months or up to a year or longer depending on your ability to learn and how well your employer thinks you are advancing.
Certification
While most employers do not require certification to become an appliance technician, if you are planning to specialize in refrigeration repair and maintenance, you will need to pass an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exam. This exam is offered by many vocational and college training programs or you can take it on your own. Other certification options are available through the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) or the Professional Service Association (PSA). These certifications test your knowledge of specific appliances as well as general knowledge of appliance repair. If looking for a position as a manager or supervisor within a larger appliance repair company, these certifications may increase your chances of being hired or promoted.
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