Little or no change in employment of home appliance repairers is projected. However, very good job opportunities are expected, particularly for individuals with formal training in appliance repair and electronics.
Employment change. The number of home appliance repairers will grow 2 percent between 2006 and 2016, reflecting little or no change. The number of home appliances in use is expected to increase with growth in the numbers of households. The decision to repair an appliance, however, often depends on the price to replace the appliance versus the cost to make the repairs. So while higher priced major appliances designed to have a long life are more likely to be repaired, small appliances are apt to be discarded rather than be repaired. With sales of high-end appliances growing, demand for major appliance repairers should be strong into the future.
Job prospects. In addition to new jobs created over the 2006-16 period, openings will arise as home appliance repairers retire or transfer to other occupations. Very good job opportunities are expected, with job openings continuing to outnumber jobseekers. Individuals with formal training in appliance repair and electronics should have the best opportunities.
Jobs are expected to be increasingly concentrated in larger companies as the number of smaller shops and family-owned businesses decline. Employment is relatively steady and workers are rarely laid off because demand for major appliance repair services is fairly constant.
Many communities across the country employ home appliance repairers, but a high concentration of jobs can be found in more populated areas. Home appliance repairers held 57,000 jobs in 2006. About 36 percent of salaried repairers worked for retail trade establishments such as department stores and electronics and appliance stores. About 27 percent of repairers were self-employed. Another 21 percent work in household goods repair and maintenance.
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation
Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have gone through an apprenticeship program or several years of vocational training to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training, including both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Examples
Dental assistants, electricians, fish and game wardens, legal secretaries, personnel recruiters and recreational workers.
These occupations often involve using communication and organization skills to manage and train others.
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For general information on home appliance repairers, contact the following organizations:
- National Appliance Service Association, P.O. Box 2514, Kokomo, IN 46904.
- United Servicers Association, Inc., P.O. Box 31006, Albuquerque, NM 87190. Internet: http://www.unitedservicers.com
For information on the National Appliance Service Technician Certification program, contact:
- International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, 3608 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107. Internet: http://www.nastec.org
For information on the Certified Appliance Professional program, contact:
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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