If you like fixing things around the house, you’ll probably make a good appliance repair technician. After all, there are always plenty of appliances in every household, and they’re bound to break down at some point. So why not be the right man for the job?
The world always has a high demand for appliance repair technicians, so you won’t have to worry about getting a job. All you need is the right training, and we’ll show you how. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming an appliance repair technician.
Acquire The Skills
Naturally, you’ll first have to learn the right skills for the job if you’re serious about pursuing this career. A one-week workshop isn’t going to cut it, so invest the time needed to acquire those skills.
Search For The Right Training Institution
There will be plenty of institutions and colleges that offer training courses for being an appliance repair technician. Don’t just jump into the first place you come across; take your time.
Visit all your prospective institutions and observe what they do. See what kind of equipment they have and figure out if it meets the current market standards. Talk to current students and find out how the teaching staff are, whether they are professional and if they can conduct productive workshops.
Job placements are crucial for any respectable institution, so make sure you find one with connections to good companies. Try to find out about the institute’s reputation and gauge whether companies prefer hiring pass-outs from there. Even the best pass outs from the badge will need a first push, so don’t compromise on this requirement.
Pick The Right Specializations
Specializing in a particular area can greatly improve your work quality; you’ll also get a shiny certificate to boot. Certifications aren’t always necessary, but they could become the deciding factor in some jobs.
For example, jobs that require the use of certain chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbon, will only go to those refrigerator mechanics who carry a certificate from the Environmental Protection Agency. Moreover, certifications prove that you’re competent on the job and above the usual standard. Something which will give you the upper hand.
Ace That Training Course!
Now is the best time to dedicate yourself to the training course and ace it! Most companies will only hire you if you are a certified technician from a respectable institute.
Plus, you won’t be able to work on these appliances safely unless you cover a vast range of topics. Some include subjects like ozone depletion, on which you’ll have to pass several exams. So make sure you finish your course with flying colors and earn that certificate.
Gain The Experience
Now that you’ve gone through the training course and earned your certificate, you can officially work as a repair technician. But wait, it isn’t as simple as that; first, you’ll need to get some experience.
It’s just common sense; the market is saturated enough that no company will be willing to hire you right off the bat. So, you’ll need to have worked on several jobs beforehand for any company to take you seriously. One good way of doing that is by getting an internship.
Internships are the best way to learn on the job and master the work you’ll do for future clients. Shadowing experienced technicians will be quite beneficial for you, as you will get to see firsthand how they work.
What’s more, you can also use internships to expand your horizon and learn new skills on the job. After all, you might be able to fix a leaky sink on your own, but a complex task like fixing the entire electrical wiring system might be overwhelming at first. So it’s better to tackle those issues with an experienced technician to guide you.
Get A Job!
Once you’re done with your training and internship, you’ll be ready to handle real-world situations. If you’re already interning at a particular company, we recommend applying for a job there. On the other hand, you can try your luck with a new company so long as you are confident you can pull it off.
If your institute has a job placement program, you can probably get an entry-level position at a decent company through their contacts. If not, don’t worry; plenty of small repair companies will have a place for you. Some corporations even have a repair and maintenance division open to freshers.
Never Stop Learning
Getting a job doesn’t mean that you’ve mastered the art of appliance repairs. It actually means you’re a fresher and still have much to learn, so always keep your mind open to new things. While training centers provide ample education in this field, you never know when you’ll come across something extra challenging. Besides, part of being an appliance repair technician involves broadening your horizon to new jobs and tasks.
The best technicians continue their education months and even years after getting a job. Doing so can update your knowledge and make you accustomed to anything new. Technology will always change and develop into new forms, so make sure you’re updated on the latest information, the best techniques, and the most modern tools.
After all, you don’t want to be working in the same position for ages to come. You could move up the ladder to a managerial position with the right improvements or even start your own repair company. The possibilities are endless, so prepare yourself for whatever opportunity arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Take To Be An Appliance Repair Technician?
- Knowledge of electrical appliances.
- Experience handling tools and equipment.
- Good communication skills for interacting with customers.
- Basic level of research using the Internet.
- Good analysis skills for understanding the job requirement and determining the materials and work level needed.
How Long Is The Training Course?
Most technicians learn on the job; the course is just an introduction to what you’ll be facing. Most repair technician courses last a few months to a year. However, you might have to study for two years to complete your post-secondary education.
What Does The Work Involve?
Repair technicians typically install, maintain, and repair large and small appliances. The work mostly involves studying blueprints, assembling various appliances, and cleaning and repairing them when needed. A good repair technician should also figure out the materials for a job and understand the level of work needed.
