Drum replacement on a washing Machine
Domestic appliance service engineers, install and repair household appliances.
What is the role of a domestic appliance service engineer?
The main role of a Domestic Appliance Service Engineer is to visit customers homes and diagnose and repair household appliances, including washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, ovens, cookers, microwaves, fridges and freezers.
This may also include removal and installing a replacement appliance.
A service engineer might also deal with items like televisions and hi-fi equipment but generally this is something done by a specialist brown goods engineer..
Your duties could include:
- visiting customers homes to carry out a diagnosis of the fault
- repairing the fault on the first visit if you have the parts on your van
- installing new appliances in customers’ homes if the appliance is deemed beyond economical repair
- responding to call-outs for emergency repairs under warrantee
- maintaining your van stock of parts
- recording work details, preparing invoices and dealing with payments
- keeping business accounts in order (if self-employed)
- marketing your business if self-employed
You would use a range of hand and power tools, and electrical measurement and testing instruments, including multi meters, insulation resistance meter, earth loop test meter and a non contact probe. You may be involved in refurbishment, recycling and safe disposal of older appliances in line with electrical waste regulations.
What do I need to do to become a domestic appliance service engineer?
Having a degree in Electro/Mechanical engineering isn’t necessary to do this job, but often you need to have done some sort of recognised training. You may also find it difficult to get public liability insurance without qualifications if looking to start your own business.
Qualifications include 224 Consumer Electrical Appliance Repair & Servicing. You may be also able to start this job through an apprenticeship.
Having colour-normal vision for electrical work is an obvious benefit.
Previous experience and/or qualifications in any of the following areas may help when looking for work:
- electrics or electronics
- mechanical engineering
- plumbing or gas servicing
- heating installation or refrigeration
- field service background in photo copiers, coffee machines or other electro mechanical sectors
Vocational route
Relevant qualifications include:
- Level 1 Certificate in Electronics
- Level 2 Certificate In Electrical Installation Studies
- Level 2 First Diploma in Engineering Technology
- Level 2 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology
- 224 Consumer Electrical Appliance Repair & Servicing
- Apprenticeship in a related subject
Where to find out more
Where could I be working?
You mostly work in customers’ homes, but could carry out some repairs in a workshop.
What could I earn?
As a trainee depending on where you live and your age you could achieve a starting salary of £19-24k p.a. This will increase as your skills and experience increase.
Top employed earners are achieving 39k p.a +
Having your Gas Safe qualifications will place you in the top percentage of earners and make you highly sort after.
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What are my employment prospects?
Your employment prospects are very high as there is a skills shortage for Domestic Appliance Service Engineers. If you can demonstrate good problem solving and communication skills most employers are willing to start you on a trial period.
Good training by a recognised organisation is key as most of the appliance service companies and manufactures rely on their training structure.
The Institute for White Goods Engineers provide accredited training including 224 Consumer Electrical Appliance Repair & Servicing
