Appliance Service Technician students disassembling units and working on parts at Herzing College Toronto
Updated January 2024
Welcome to the ultimate guide to appliance service technician training and careers in Ontario.
Considering becoming an appliance service technician? Want to know how long training takes and what job opportunities are out there?
Wondering about certifications, salaries, and demand for this trade in Ontario?
These are some of the most common questions we get from prospective students. So we pulled them all together here for easy access.
Get reliable information to plan your next step, and some expert advice on what to expect from a career in the appliance trade.
Jump to:
- What exactly does an appliance service technician do?
- How long is appliance service technician training?
- What skills do you learn in an appliance service technician course?
- Is appliance repair training hard?
- Where do graduates get hired?
- Is there demand for appliance service technicians in Ontario?
- What are some career options for appliance service technicians?
- Do you have to complete an apprenticeship?
- How much money do appliance techs make?
What exactly does an appliance service technician do?
It might seem obvious, but this question is worth asking! You should know what the day-to-day work involves before you commit to training.
Here's what you’ll be doing as an appliance service technician:
- Installing home appliances, like washers, dryers, cooktops, ovens, and refrigerators
- Troubleshooting problems and conducting repairs
- Ordering replacement parts
- Using specialized diagnostic and programming tools to repair, adjust, and reprogram appliances
- Educating clients on how to safely use and maintain their appliances
- Preparing estimates and written reports of the work you performed
Some newcomers start out in an appliance company warehouse, fixing and refurbishing old units. Once they prove their skills, they can hit the road and start doing service calls independently.
How long is appliance service technician training?
Appliance repair is one of the shortest trade programs out there. Herzing's Appliance Service Technician program is just 24 weeks.
Length will depend on the type of appliance repair program you choose. For example, if your program involves working on gas-fired units, it will take longer and include preparation for gas technician certification.
What skills do you learn in an appliance service technician course?
Appliance technician training focuses on six main areas.
Safety
Students learn the safe use of hand and power tools, and earn safety certifications like WHMIS, Working from Heights, Lockout/Tagout, and Confined Spaces Hazard Awareness.
Diagnostics
Students use the latest electronic diagnostic techniques and tools to identify appliance issues.
Troubleshooting and Repair
Students learn how to take apart and reassemble all major home appliances. This helps you understand how parts go together, and how to find and fix common problems.
Installation
Students learn how to safely move and position units, and the basic plumbing and electrical aspects related to installation.
Schematics and Parts
Students learn how to read schematic charts and diagrams and look up parts needed for servicing.
Simulations
At Herzing, all appliance students complete service call simulations in the school workshop. The instructor sets up a scenario and you have to identify the appliance issue and go through the steps needed to resolve it. It’s excellent preparation for when you’re alone out in the field.
Is appliance repair training hard?
This program is designed to be practical and straightforward. Even if you’ve never picked up a tool in your life, you can succeed in this class.
Instructors start with very basic skills and slowly build up your abilities and confidence throughout the course. Through simulations, training labs, and hands-on practice, every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Here’s how graduate Christine Cunningham described her experience in class: “For me, the most challenging part was overcoming little fears about using certain tools. But the deeper I got into the program, the less intimidated I felt. I really enjoyed the hands-on training and taking apart all the different appliances.”
Where do graduates get hired?
Graduates of our electric and gas appliance programs get hired by companies like:
- Whirlpool Canada
- Trans Global Service
- Groves Appliance
We actually have a partnership with Whirlpool Canada. They provide the latest units for our students to train on, and successful graduates can get hired at Whirlpool straight out of the appliance service technician program.
Is there demand for appliance service technicians in Ontario?
Yes, but only if you have the latest technology skills. Appliances are becoming more advanced. There is good demand for technicians who are computer-savvy and understand how the newer units work.
As the last generation of appliance technicians head into retirement, major companies like Whirlpool are having trouble finding skilled replacements.
What are some career options for appliance service technicians?
There are a few different career paths you can take. You could start your own appliance repair business, or work for the following types of employers:
- Major appliance sales companies
- Wholesalers
- Large apartment owners
- Small independent service companies
- Commercial restaurant equipment companies
Do you have to complete an apprenticeship?
No. You do not need to complete an apprenticeship or pass a certification exam to work on electric units as an appliance service technician.
However, if you want to service gas-fired units, you’ll need to get your gas technician certification from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Beginners start with the G3 level.
How much money do appliance techs make?
We looked at the Government of Canada Job Bank to get the latest info on appliance trade salaries. As of 2023, the median wage for appliance technicians in Ontario is $24.10 an hour. At the higher end, technicians are making up to $38.46 an hour.
If you own your own business, your earning potential can be much higher. It all depends on your career goals.
Still have questions?
Your next step is to speak with an admissions advisor. An advisor will walk you through training requirements, tuition costs, scholarships, financial aid, class schedules, and anything else you need to know.
Click below to get started. Explore the 24-week appliance service technician program and chat live with an advisor today.
