An Electrolux session at ServiceSource’s debut Factory Technical Training Camp.
… and industry stakeholders are filling the void
By Paul MacDonald, ServiceSource
As the appliance repair industry continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive, ongoing training for technicians is more critical than ever.
With appliances becoming more technologically advanced and integrated with smart systems, technicians must stay up to date on the latest innovations. However, as manufacturers reduce the frequency and availability of factory training programs, it’s reassuring to see the industry stepping in and filling the gap, providing essential training opportunities.
Why Training Matters
In the past, manufacturers frequently offered in-depth training to ensure technicians were well-equipped to handle the unique features of their appliances. Today, those programs are diminishing, leaving a void that needs to be filled. Parts distributors and industry associations have risen to the challenge by providing essential training opportunities.
Here’s why this shift is so vital for the success of technicians:
1. Adapting to New Technologies
As manufacturers roll out appliances with smart technology, voice control and energy-efficient systems, the urgency of learning how to work with these innovations becomes more apparent. Industry-sponsored training ensures that technicians remain knowledgeable about the latest advancements, even as factory training declines, reinforcing the relevance and importance of ongoing training.
2. Meeting Customer Expectations
Customers expect their service technicians to be proficient in the latest appliance models. With proper training, technicians can meet these expectations, offering faster and more accurate repairs and improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Filling the Training Gap
With fewer factory training sessions, industry leaders — especially parts distributors and trade associations — have stepped in to provide much-needed education. This ensures that technicians still receive up-to-date training on appliances from various manufacturers, allowing them to handle a wide range of brands and models.
4. Efficiency and Professionalism
Continuous training increases service department efficiency and improves repair times, as technicians can more quickly diagnose and fix issues. It also enhances professionalism, as customers often see a well-trained technician as more competent and reliable.
5. Complying with Changing Regulations
Technicians must stay compliant as appliance standards evolve, especially with environmental and energy efficiency guidelines. For instance, the industry has significantly shifted towards R600a butane refrigerants in cooling systems, a more environmentally friendly alternative. Understanding the properties of R600a and its safe application is crucial for technicians. Equally important is mastering the proper use of Lokring technology, a mechanical method for joining refrigerant lines without soldering, which is ideal for R600a systems. This specialized knowledge ensures that repairs are compliant and safe, helping technicians adhere to updated standards.
Industry-Sponsored Opportunities
While manufacturer-provided training is less common, the appliance repair industry has rallied to provide comprehensive alternatives. BrandSource, parts distributors and trade associations, in particular, have become leaders in offering hands-on workshops, online training and expert-led seminars. These programs cover everything from basic troubleshooting to advanced repairs on the latest smart appliances.
The ServiceSource Factory Technical Training Camp, held last month in New England, was just such a training opportunity. ServiceSource will hold additional training camps in critical regions in 2025. Watch this newsletter for details. In the interim, here are a few essential trade associations and parts distributors that offer robust training programs:
Trade Associations
Marcone Servicers Association: MSA is here to improve the repair industry by providing a comprehensive education that helps you build a successful service company. The MSA convention will be held in Las Vegas March 18–21, 2025. Get all the details MSAWorld.com.
United Appliance Servicers Association: UASA will hold its annual Service Training Institute (ASTI), North America’s largest training and networking event for appliance repair professionals, Jan. 8-12, 2025. For more information visit asti.us.
Professional Servicers Association: PSA, “The voice of the service industry,” will hold its next convention Sept. 22-25, 2025. View event details at psaworld.org.
Parts Distributors
Marcone Supply: Visit Hands-On Training: Fall 2024 for details on upcoming training sessions and webinars.
Reliable Parts: Explore various training opportunities at Training Classes – Reliable Parts USA.
Encompass: Check out their specialized training programs at Encompass Training – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions.
Manufacturers
Samsung: As part of its dedication to helping you with your technical training, Samsung offers training courses in three formats: Live in-person at their STTCs; weekly live virtual via WebEx; and on-demand selections from Samsung’s regularly updated training library via the SPSN website, with topics spanning both the Samsung and Dacor product lines. Please note that topics, dates and times are all subject to change. The weekly schedule is sent out on Fridays.
Whirlpool: Whirlpool’s Service Matters site provides support and resources for technicians, and its Service Matters University offers online training in laundry, cooking, refrigeration and dishwasher repair. (You may need an SM account as this is a pay-for-learning model.) In addition, the Whirlpool Training Center in Cleveland, Tenn., offers instructor-led, in-person, hands-on training by the Whirlpool training team.
LG: LG has centralized many online resources in a new site, LGrepair.com, which provides access to GCSC/ Technical Training and much more. Be sure to also check out these valuable online tech resources from LG: LGerrorcodes.com, LGrepaircenter.com, LGtestmodes.com and gsfsplus.lge.com.
Electrolux: Electroluxservicetips.com has several training videos and PowerPoint presentations with parts and wiring diagrams. There is a section on diagnostic procedures and service flashes.
Sub-Zero: Sub-Zero Service Central provides service and parts manuals for all products. Features include:
- Parts look-up to show if there is a serial break
- Answer Advisor (community message board and FAQs)
- Connected diagnostics
- Request training info
- Training calendar
- Installation training
Training Academies
Dyer Appliance Repair Academy: Save time and money by getting employees trained faster at Texas-based Dyer, one of the country’s premier appliance repair training schools, which has been providing appliance repair technician training since 2013.
Fred’s Appliance Academy: Ohio-based Fred’s provides repair training. Learn from the industry’s best trainers with hands-on campus training or at your own pace online.
Master Samurai Tech Academy: This online resource is the only appliance repair training program that teaches complete mastery of the trade. Knowledge is power — thepower to make the job easier, more fun and more profitable.
Appliantology.org: The biggest and best online resource for working appliance repair techs. Here you can find support from thousands of fellow expert appliance repair technicians and owners, exchanging tips and tricks or helping troubleshoot problems. Other features include unlimited downloads of over 7,000 appliance manuals, tech sheets and schematic diagrams, and over 100 hours of continuing education workshops from the Master Samurai to help you stay up-to-date on the latest technology.
These parts distributors, trade associations and manufacturers are all committed to bridging the gap left by reduced factory training and to ensuring that technicians continue to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Paul MacDonald, AVB’s senior ServiceSource lead, ran his own 38-tech service business and is a past president of the UASA. He currently operates The Expert Service Program, which helps servicers run their operations more efficiently and profitably. You can
