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Household Appliance Installers and Repairers install, service, and repair many kinds of large and small gas and electrical appliances. They may repair refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, hot-water heaters, toasters, and irons, using hand tools.

JOB DUTIES

Household Appliance Installers and Repairers may:

Locate source of problems

Examine and remove worn-out parts

Test parts

Repair and adjust parts

Install new parts

Observe appliance operation and listen to sounds

Estimate cost of repairs

Keep records of parts used

Advise customers on use and care of appliances

Discuss the cost of repair versus the cost of replacement with customers

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Household Appliance Installers and Repairers may specialize in these areas:

723.584-010 APPLIANCE REPAIRERS repair portable household electrical ranges, such as fans, heaters, vacuum cleaners, toasters, and flat irons, on assembly lines in plants where appliances are manufactured.

827.261-010 ELECTRICAL-APPLIANCE SERVICERS install, service, and repair stoves, refrigerators, dishwashing machines, and other large electrical household appliances.

637.261-018 GAS-APPLIANCE SERVICERS install and repair gas meters for utility companies as well as regulators, ranges, heaters, and refrigerators in customers' establishments.

723.381-010 SMALL-APPLIANCE REPAIRERS fix electrical appliances, such as toasters, cookers, percolators, lamps, and irons, using hand tools and electrical testing instruments.

827.661-010 HOUSEHOLD-APPLIANCE INSTALLERS use hand tools to install refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, and related appliances in mobile homes, houses, or apartments.

729.281-022 ELECTRIC-TOOL REPAIRERS fix or replace parts of electric hand tools and bench tools, such as drills, saws, grinders, and sanders, using lathes, circuit testers, and power tools. They also test motors, switches, and wiring.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Appliance Installers and Repairers work with little or no direct supervision. At times they may supervise the work of others. Interacting with customers requires good interpersonal skills. They work in repair shops that are usually well lighted and well ventilated or in customers' homes or business places.

Hazards may include electrical shocks and strains from lifting.

Household Appliance Installers and Repairers usually work year-round. They generally work 40 hours per week and some Saturdays and evenings. Some work in shifts; others are on 24-hour call. Those who work in homes may spend several hours a day driving. Journeypersons and trainees usually supply their own hand tools.

Many Household Appliance Installers and Repairers belong to The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union of The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Warehousemen, and Helpers of America (Teamsters Union). Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Seeing the physical results of your work

• Activities involving the use of specific processes or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and apply electrical concepts

• Read and understand catalogs, diagrams, and manuals

• Do simple arithmetic and work in confined areas

• Deal pleasantly with people and perform a variety of duties

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Make decisions based on measurable information

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If an electric heating circuit has a load of 5600 watts of resistance type heaters, what size wire and over current protection would be required? This applied voltage is 240 volts.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

At the start of extraction spin, the motor draws approximately 1300 watts; therefore, the circuit to which the washer is attached must not operate additional electric apparatus which draws the power in excess of a total of 300 watts unless the circuit is equipped with a time-delay fuse.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written estimate for a repair job upon the request of a potential customer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing, repairing, and maintaining appliances. A Michigan driver's or chauffeur's license with accompanying commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement may be required. 

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or Vocational Training or a High School Diploma may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

035 MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Major Appliance Repair prepare students to repair, install, and service gas, electric, and microwave consumer appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dryers, and other major appliances.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

056 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Electro-Mechanical Technology train students in electronics, communications, electricity, automation/ maintenance, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Students are allowed to select courses from more than one area of study. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a common set of electro-mechanical skills which are generic to all like occupations.

Courses in other trade & industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

196 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION & REPAIR

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment installing, servicing, maintaining, and/or repairing electrical and electronics systems, machines, appliances, and related equipment.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

            Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS

Equipment such as radar, missile guidance systems, and communication equipment depends on advanced electronics. Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop and test electrical and electronic equipment. They also direct equipment installation and repair.

What They Do

Electrical and electronics engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Direct research to improve and develop computer, navigation, and other electronic systems

• Direct equipment installation and repair

• Develop test standards and operating instructions for electrical and electronic systems

• Design and develop test instruments

• Test new or modified equipment to check its performance and reliability

• Review test data, report results, and recommend actions

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in electrical, electronic, or communications engineering is required to enter this occupation.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in engineering concepts and principles

• Interest in planning and directing research projects

• Interest in working with mathematical formulas

Work Environment

Electrical and electronics engineers usually work in offices while planning research studies and designing electronic systems. They may work outdoors when overseeing the installation of new equipment.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian electrical and electronics engineers work for manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment. Many work for government agencies, public utilities, and engineering firms. Civilian electrical and electronics engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military. However, they usually specialize in product areas, such as computers, communications, or aerospace systems. They may also be called electronics design engineers and electronics test engineers.

Training Provided

Initial job training is usually provided on the job. Classroom training is provided on the job. Classroom training is provided for some specialties in this occupation. Course content typically includes:

• Combat and tactical communications systems

• Telecommunications center systems

• Signal center site defense systems

Opportunities

The services have about 1,000 electrical and electronics engineers. On average, they need 50 new engineers each year. After job training, electrical and electronics engineers are usually assigned to engineering research and development units or to communications centers Initially, they conduct studies and supervise research and development staff. With experience, they may advance to senior management positions, such as engineering staff officer, research and development manager, or communications center director.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Part-time work in repair shops or taking courses in electrical and electronics equipment installation and repair at postsecondary schools are ways to gain experience. Secondary vocational education programs in major appliance repair may also offer a co-op portion through which experience may be gained. Military service may offer related experience as well.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experience

touring a local Household Appliance Installer & Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Household Appliance Installer & Repairer employer

community service work with an agency

Some appliance manufacturers offer training classes or on-the-job training. There are also correspondence and postsecondary courses for learning small appliance repair, refrigeration, or electronics. Assistance in locating a job may be available by consulting newspaper want ads, school or college placement offices, local unions, or a local office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings depend on the type of equipment serviced, union membership, geographic area, and the Repairer's skill and experience. Some Household Appliance Installers and Repairers may receive incentive pay on the repairs they make and/or commissions on sales leads. Some may be paid a flat rate per repair plus commission.

In mid 1999, in Michigan, repairers of small appliances earned from $10.00 to $11.00, with senior technicians earning up to $19.00 per hour, depending on skill level, company size and geographic area.

In the Detroit area in 1999 unionized Household Appliance Installers working for a large utility company had hourly earnings that ranged between $16.64 and $18.72.

Overtime is usually paid for work beyond 40 hours a week. Mileage costs are also usually paid if Repairers have to use their own cars to travel to jobs.

Most Appliance Installers and Repairers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Some receive profit-sharing, prescription drug, vision, and dental care plans. These benefits are paid for, at least in part, by the employers.

Most Appliance Installers and Repairers are hired with some factory, vocational school or other training. They may receive classroom instruction which is given periodically by appliance manufacturers and local distributors. Up to three years of on-the-job training may be required before a trainee qualifies to become an Appliance Repairer. Some Repairers advance to become supervisors or regional managers. Other career possibilities include working for a large company, teaching in factory service training schools, teaching in vocational/technical schools or skill centers.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 70,600 Household Appliance Installers and Repairers employed in 1996. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. About 8.7% of these repairers were self-employed. The industry distribution for Household Appliance Installers and Repairers looked like this:

The number of appliances in use is expected to increase as the population grows and new and improved appliances are introduced. However, the increasing use of electronic parts in appliances should make them more reliable and decrease the need for repairs. Installers and Repairers with training and proficiency in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and electronics will have the best opportunities.

There are about 1,425 Appliance Repairers employed in Michigan. Appliance Repairers were employed in almost every city in Michigan. They worked for appliance stores, department stores, independent shops, and utility companies. Some Appliance Repairers were self-employed.

Employment of Appliance Installers and Repairers in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 40 openings is anticipated each year, with 10 openings due to growth and 30 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other lines of work.

The demand for Household Appliance Repairers should remain steady because the appliance repair business is not very sensitive to changes in economic conditions. The best opportunities are expected for major Appliance Repairers because small appliances are often replaced instead of repaired. There is a shortage of trained appliance service technicians at the present time, especially for those with knowledge of refrigeration and cooling systems. Because of the increasing use of electronic parts in appliances, new technicians and older technicians will be required to have training in electronic theory and troubleshooting to remain competitive.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development