Why Appliance Service Technician is Such a Smart Career Choice

Photo: Students in the appliance service technician program at Herzing College Toronto

Updated December 2023

Thinking about a trades career, but haven't seriously considered appliance repair? You’re not alone. This field is often overlooked by people entering the trades.  

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC...they all get plenty of attention and interest. But somehow appliance repair flies under the radar. 

The fact is this industry is really growing fast in Canada. There is a serious shortage of appliance service technicians and strong demand for people with the latest technical skills. 

Appliances are more sophisticated than ever before. Technicians need very sharp diagnostic and electronic skills to service the newer units. 

There aren’t enough well-trained techs to go around—hence the high demand. This is just one of many reasons appliance service technician is a smart career choice. Here are a whole lot more. 

 

No apprenticeship needed – get straight to work 

Many skilled trades in Ontario are regulated. That means you must fulfill specific training, apprenticeship, and licensing requirements to legally work in the field. It generally takes about five years to complete all the steps. 

Some people are looking for a faster route to employment so they can get out of school and into a full-time job a lot quicker. 

Appliance service technicians don’t need to complete an apprenticeship or take a certification exam. You can get straight to work right after you complete a quality training program. 

 

Appliance service technician training is fast 

This is one of the fastest trade programs out there. You can finish appliance technician training in just 24 weeks! 

If you’re looking for a quick path to your first job, this is it. The program covers all the theory, diagnostic, and hands-on repair skills you’ll need to get hired. 

Herzing College has a partnership with Whirlpool Canada, who supplies our students with the latest machines to practise on. They have also provided our instructors with official Whirlpool University training tools and materials. 

Our students graduate with experience troubleshooting and repairing the newest “smart” appliances. They're fully prepared for work their very first day on the job. 

 

Whirlpool is hiring graduates straight out of training

The industry is so short-staffed right now, Whirlpool is hiring talented graduates straight out of our appliance service technician program.   

It’s all part of their “Technician Pipeline” program, where Whirlpool partners with trade schools to train and mould the next generation of appliance technicians. 

 

Strong demand for appliance service technicians across Canada 

We spoke with Whirlpool Canada’s Regional Field Service Manager, Ryan Monaghan, about why demand is so strong for appliance technicians in Canada right now. 

He told us changing appliance technology is opening up tons of opportunities for computer-savvy technicians with the right skillset.

The problem? There just aren’t enough people trained in the latest tools and techniques.

“The industry is changing with new major appliances being more computerized, wi-fi-enabled and sophisticated. Technicians need to be more tech-savvy than ever, and have new skills and expertise to capitalize on the growing demand for appliance technicians across Canada," says Ryan. 

If you’re ready to learn those skills, you’ll be first in line for jobs with global brands like Whirlpool. There’s never been a better time to become an appliance service technician. 

 

Competitive pay 

For a trade that doesn’t require apprenticeship, extensive in-school training, or certification, appliance repair pays quite well! 

The latest data from the Government of Canada Job Bank says technicians in Ontario make a median salary of about $50,000. At the high end, appliance service technicians in the province are making over $79,000.

 

Challenging work, innovative field 

Like many other areas of our lives, appliances are being impacted by major technological innovation and advancement.

Internet integration, digital programming, and high-level customization are big trends in this field. And that’s just the beginning. 

The latest breed of smart appliances offer a dizzying range of options and features.

You can browse the web and order groceries straight from your fridge. There are smart ovens with voice control options, live video feeds of your meal being cooked, and built-in tech that knows exactly how to cook whatever food you want. 

In fact, many home appliances can be integrated into a total "smart home" system and operated from touchscreen panels mounted on the wall (or smartphone app). 

It’s a whole new world of high-tech laundry, dishes, and food prep. One thing’s for sure—all this new tech will keep things interesting for appliance service technicians. You'll be learning new skills and expanding your knowledge for years to come!

 

Various career paths to choose from   

Where do you see yourself working as an appliance service technician? There are a lot more career options than you probably realize. 

Technicians can find jobs at major companies like Whirlpool, completing repairs in the warehouse or on the road doing service calls.

They also work for smaller, independent service companies—and for large apartment complexes that hire full-time maintenance specialists. 

Other career paths include: 

  • Commercial restaurant equipment industry (restaurants, hospitals, airports, grocery stores) 
  • Appliance sales companies 
  • Gas and electric utility companies 
  • Your own small business 

If you have the right technical skillset, good business sense, and excellent customer service skills, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities in the appliance industry. 

 

Is Appliance Technician Training Right for You? 

What does it take to become a successful appliance service technician? How do you know you’re a good fit for this work? 

We asked Whirlpool what they look for in new hires, and they really stressed the importance of computer skills and top-notch customer service. You have to be able to communicate well with people from all walks of life.

Enjoy learning about new technology? Consider yourself friendly and polite? Like taking things apart and solving problems? You could be a perfect fit for this career. 

Your first step is to talk with an admissions advisor.  

An advisor will guide you through the training program and help you figure out financial aid, class schedules, and how to apply. 

Click below to explore the appliance service technician program and chat live with an advisor now. We're here to help!

Explore the Appliance Service Technician Program

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