Appliance Repair Careers

Appliance repair technicians typically repair dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators and washers. They perform work on these large appliances at the customer's home, rather than in a repair shop. Some appliance repair technicians also fix smaller appliances such as microwaves and vacuum cleaners in a repair shop.

Appliance repair technicians typically begin their career with a high school diploma and little practical experience. They usually learn their trade from experienced repair technicians and the employer may also sponsor formal classes in appliance repair. These classes typically include both home study and practical experience.

Appliance manufacturers may also conduct classes lasting two to three weeks on specific appliances. They also require specific training for appliance repair technicians who need to perform warranty repairs on the manufacturer's appliances. Warranty repairs typically require more training than other types of appliance repair and these classes may last a few years.

Home appliance technicians typically learn small appliance repair with on-the-job training rather than formal classes. The technician works on one type of appliance at a time until mastering the repair work for that appliance. The  technician then progresses to the next type of appliance until he masters all of the appliances in the repair shop.

The increasing use of advanced electronics in home appliances means that employers are requiring a specific education in appliance repair with increasing frequency. Many technical and vocational schools have formal degree programs in appliance repair. These programs typically require one to two years of study and should include courses in basic electronics. Employees with an education in appliance repair require substantially less on-the-job training.

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, requires repair technicians to obtain certification in refrigerant handling before they can repair refrigerators and other appliances that contain refrigerant. Refrigerant certification requires a passing grade on a written exam that can be administered by employer associations, trade schools and unions. These organizations frequently offer classes to help the repair technician prepare for an EPA exam.