About Appliance Repair
Schools
As anyone who has ever had a broken refrigerator knows, appliance repairers are an essential segment of the workforce. While learning fix smaller appliances, such as microwaves, are often learned on the job, finding a good trade school is crucial to learning fix the larger appliances.
Types
Community colleges and vocational schools are the primary places people go to learn repair an appliance. Training ranges from taking a class or two to enrolling in a comprehensive program. Mini-courses are even offered by product manufacturers on fix their appliances. Classes last on average 3 to 10 weeks, and electronics classes are increasingly becoming an intrinsic component to the curriculum. Online classes are also available, though it may difficult to learn outside of a hands-on environment.
Features
From on-the job training to school programs that can last up to 2 years, training options vary. Consider this example of how training can commence: An appliance technician course program at Texas State Technical College is 10 weeks, 35 to 40 hours a week, for $3,500. The core curriculum includes basic electronics, washers and dryers, air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. It may seem financially harsh to drop everything and only be a student for several weeks, paying thousands of dollars. However, the end result is likely to be worth it.
Benefits
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary was $16.28 in May 2006, while the middle half represented a range between $12.37 and $20.79. The department anticipates little or no change in employment of appliance technicians, and good opportunities are anticipated, especially with someone who has had formal training at an appliance repair school. There is room for salary advancement, as some companies provide commissions for technicians as they complete more assignments throughout the day.
Considerations
In appliance school, students will learn what it's like to be an appliance technician. While it's rewarding work for some, it's not for everyone. For example, technicians often work in uncomfortable conditions and must use special care when dealing with electricity and hazardous materials. Appliance technicians are at the mercy of breakdowns, which means erratic hours, often at night and on weekends. A significant amount of appliance repairers are self- employed, however that trend is changing as larger corporations are overpowering smaller businesses, and individuals.
Significance
The American Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reports that the average American family owns six major appliances. Nearly every household has a refrigerator and range, and more than 90 percent own washers and dryers. More than 65 million major home appliances a year are shipped to Americans, and many own dishwashers, microwaves, freezers and dehumidifiers. Many of these appliances last more than a decade, even multiple decades. With this dependence on long-term appliances comes the need for those who know repair them.
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