Refrigerators are important and repair techs are in demand.
There is no requirement for a refrigerator repair technician to be certified, unless he is going to handle Freon, which requires certification form the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, from a practical standpoint it is in both the technician's and the customer's best interest for the tech to be well trained. Refrigerators can be complicated and often contain parts such as water dispensers, ice makers, temperature-control sensors and computer circuit-boards, which can vary between manufacturers. A good training program can assist a technician in learning about the many different systems and repair them.
Appliance Repair Tech School
Appliance Repair Tech School, based in San Diego, California, teaches students repair many different makes of refrigerators, as well as other appliances. Students are taught appliance theory, safety, soldering and de-soldering, accessing refrigerators in the customer's home, common problems, troubleshooting, wiring and general servicing. Classes run either two or three weeks and are provided at the schools San Diego, Calif. location. As of May, 2010, the two week course cost $1,800 and the three week course costs $2,500. Students who complete the program are certified in appliance repair and eligible to apply to the EPA for refrigerant-handling certification.
Appliance Repair Tech School
PO Box 600430
San Diego, CA 92160-0430
800-615-7534
appliancerepairtechschool.com
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers an appliance repair program that includes a complete unit on refrigerator repair. Students will learn theory as well as specific repair or replacement of parts such as motors, solenoids, switches and cords. The total cost for the program is $798 as of spring, 2010 and some discounts may be available. They also have a payment plan for those who might need it. All materials are sent to the student. This includes books, lesson materials, a digital meter and learning aids to assist the student in getting hands-on repair experience. The program is self-paced, but a person can complete it in about four months if desired.
Penn Foster Career School
925 Oak Street
Scranton, PA 18515
800-275-4410
pennfoster.edu
Fred's Appliance University
This school is operated in conjunction with a working appliance repair shop, so students have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on practice repairing refrigerators and other appliances. Students are immersed in the diagnosis and repair of appliances for a full three weeks. Refrigerator repair is covered in great detail. Fred's also teaches the student locate parts on a manufacturer's website, handle different aspects of customer service and build a tool kit containing the tools likely needed on the job. At the end of the program, the student will be ready to take the National Appliance Service Technician Certification exam. Cost of this program is $2,499.99 and includes hotel, breakfast and lunch.
Fred's Appliance University
6205 N Ridge Road
Madison, OH 44057
440-428-2414
fredsappliance.com
Tags: Appliance Repair Tech, Penn Foster, Repair Tech, Repair Tech School, Tech School
