Updated November 2022
Considering becoming an appliance service technician? Looking into appliance repair training to see what your options are?
You're in the right place. In this post, we’ll walk you through the main skills taught in our Appliance Service Technician course. This is a good starting point for newcomers to the appliance trade.
Find out what to expect in training and the main skills you will learn in class.
Safety training for appliance service technicians
In the trades, safety must always come first. The appliance repair field is no exception. Some of the most important skills you'll learn in appliance repair training are about keeping yourself and your clients safe on the job.
You’ll be studying concepts like:
☑️ Electrical and mechanical safety requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
☑️ Environmental refrigerant laws (ODP)
☑️ How to safely use MAPP & acetylene torches
☑️ Safe use of hand and power tools
☑️ Safe workplace procedures for appliance service technicians
Safety Certifications Included in Appliance Repair Training
A quality appliance repair course will also include safety certifications. These are industry-standard credentials every tradesperson should have.
Companies have to pay for their employees to get this training, so they prefer to hire technicians who are already certified.
Starting your career with safety certifications gives you a strong competitive edge. We include the following certs in our 24-week appliance repair training:
☑️ WHMIS
☑️ Lockout & Tag Safety
☑️ Confined Spaces Hazard Awareness
☑️ Propane in Construction
Hand and Power Tool Training for appliance repair technicians
Some of the students we teach in the appliance technician course have never picked up a tool in their lives. Others have a bit more experience using hand and power tools.
It doesn't matter where you fit on this spectrum. A good appliance program starts with the basics, ensuring every student knows how to use tools correctly and safely.
By the time you graduate, you will feel totally comfortable using all the tools needed to install, service, and repair appliance units.
How to Take Apart & assemble Major Home Appliances
It’s hard to repair a washing machine, oven, or fridge if you don’t know exactly how they work on the inside.
That’s why our students learn how to take apart, reassemble, and install all major household appliances.
They get to see what all the components look like and how they function together as a unit. Many students say they really enjoy this hands-on part of the course.
“My favourite part of training was getting to work on all the different appliances. I really enjoyed taking apart all the different kinds of units and learning how they work.”
-Christine Cunningham, appliance repair graduate
Latest Appliance Diagnostic Technology
Diagnostics is another key skill you’ll learn in appliance repair training. Today’s technicians use a variety of tools and technologies to diagnose appliance problems and identify parts for repair or replacement.
A good course teaches you how to use those instruments and techniques so you can keep up with the latest generation of appliances. Appliances are becoming extremely technologically advanced. You need sharp tech skills to service the latest products.
Ryan Monaghan, Regional Field Service Manager for Whirlpool Canada, told us learning these skills is key to getting hired.
“First of all, we look for electronic/diagnostic skills, which the student has learned from classroom theory and hands-on practical experiences. We want to hire technicians who embrace technology and are computer-savvy.”
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Appliance Installation and Servicing
Every student in our appliance repair training learns the correct and safe way to install and service major home appliances.
This includes safely moving and positioning units and understanding the electrical and plumbing aspects related to their installation.
At Herzing, every appliance student does simulations where they have to troubleshoot and fix common appliance problems. We make sure you're properly prepared for real-world service calls, where you'll be on your own in the field.
The course also includes training in:
☑️ Brazing and soldering
☑️ How to read schematic charts and diagrams
☑️ How to look up parts needed for servicing
Resume and Job-search Skills
No appliance course is complete without employment training. At Herzing, you'll get help with your resume, job search, and interview skills.
A good trade school will also connect you with partners who hire their graduates, job boards, and local trade unions.
At Herzing, many of the appliance repair grads get hired by our official partner, Whirlpool Canada. We're part of their Technician Pipeline program, designed to train appliance service technicians for positions at Whirlpool.
learn more about Appliance repair training
If you think you're a good fit for this program and want to learn more, we suggest speaking with an admissions advisor.
The advisor can answer all your questions about tuition costs, financial aid and scholarships, class schedules, and careers.
Get started today. Click below to explore appliance repair training at Herzing College and chat live with admissions. We're here to help.
