Domestic appliance service engineer
Domestic appliance service engineers install and repair household items like washing machines, TVs and fridges.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties, you could:
- install new appliances in commercial premises or customers' homes
- set up and check equipment connections to online networks
- find and fix equipment faults
- make sure appliances are working safely
- respond to call-outs for emergency repairs
- give quotes for insurance purposes
- arrange replacements when faulty equipment has to taken away for repair
- record work details, prepare invoices and handle payments
Working environment
You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be cramped and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression
You could move into management, regional services coordination, technical sales or training.
You could also set up your own installation and repair business.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to repair machines or systems
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
- pass background checks
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could do a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation
- Level 2 First Diploma in Engineering Technology
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You may be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship for electrical, electronic product service and installation engineers.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply for jobs directly if you've got experience and qualifications in one of the following:
- electrics or electronics testing
- mechanical engineering
- plumbing or gas servicing
- heating installation or refrigeration
You can find out more about working in engineering repair and maintenance through Tomorrow's Engineers.
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