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Commercial Appliance Service Technicians, Equipment and Appliance Service Tradesperson, Home Appliance Repairer, Appliance Mechanic
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $25.22 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $28.89 |
| Top | $32.14 |
Interest in operating electrical test equipment to conduct voltage, resistance and other tests, and in operating soldering equipment and hand tools to replace and repair parts
Interest in compiling information to prepare reports of work done
Interest in speaking with customers to establish nature of appliance malfunction and to provide cost estimates for repairs
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Interest in operating test equipment such as meters and gauges to measure resistance, current, voltage and pressure, and to operate hand tools and soldering and brazing equipment
Interest in speaking to customers during service calls to establish nature of appliance malfunction; and in planning service routes and preparing written accounts of work performed
Interest in compiling information to diagnose faults by checking controls, condensers, timer sequences, fans and other components
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In Alberta, there are 2 branches of this trade:
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, appliance service technicians:
Appliance service technicians generally work alone with little supervision. Those who repair portable appliances work indoors at a workbench in a shop. Technicians who repair large appliances usually have to drive a truck with an inventory of parts and tools.
Appliance service technicians typically work a 40-hour week but overtime is a real possibility in an emergency or at busy times of the year. Some work Saturdays and evenings to serve customers and the hours of work can vary considerably for those who are self-employed.
The physical demands of the work vary. Installing and servicing large appliances may require lifting and moving appliances, weighing over 25 kg. It may also involve considerable amount of standing, stooping, kneeling and reaching. Benchwork is not as physically demanding.
There is some risk physical injury due to electrical shocks, cuts, burns or muscle strain.
Appliance service technicians need:
They should enjoy working independently, meeting and helping people, solving problems and working with their hands.
To work in Alberta, an appliance service technician or commercial appliance service technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Terms of apprenticeship are different for each branch of this trade:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Apprentices in the appliance service technician branch of the trade may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Appliance service technicians install, service and repair household and commercial appliances such as ranges, ovens, clothes washers, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, dishwashers, waste disposers and waste compactors. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act [pdf] and Appliance Service Technician Trade Regulation [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, service or repair household or commercial appliances in Alberta.
The term of apprenticeship for:
Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
Appliance service technicians from other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Appliance service technicians work for:
With experience and knowledge of how to run a small business, appliance service technicians may start their own appliance service or sales and service outlets. They also may find employment as factory service representatives who supervise repair depots for manufacturing firms. In large organizations and with experience, technicians may become specialists or advance to supervisory role such as foreman or service manager.
Appliance service technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7332: Electrical Appliance Servicers and Repairers. In Alberta, 86% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson appliance service technicians wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 55% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second and 85% in the third. According to the Alberta Provincial Apprenticeship Committee for this trade, journeypersons who are self-employed or work on a commission basis may earn more depending on their skill and initiative.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $33.00 | $25.22 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $23.80 | $35.40 | $28.89 | $27.50 |
| Top | $26.50 | $37.00 | $32.14 | $32.81 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $61,330 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $55,242 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
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Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.