Brand Training for Service Technicians
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 with 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 your ongoing training.
2. Meeting Customer Expectations
Customers expect their service technicians to be proficient with 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 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 Training 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.
BrandSource’s Service Source Manufacturer Technical Training Camp last month in New England was just such a training opportunity. ServiceSource will hold four 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 Service 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 is in Las Vegas on March 18 – 21, 2025. See all the details on the event website at Win big with the 2025 MSA Convention in Las Vegas! - Welcome to MSA World.
United ApplianceServicers Association (UASA) – Annual Service Traning Institute (ASTI) January 8-12, 2025 North America’s largest training & networking event for appliance repair professionals. Visit the ASTI website at ASTI 2025 | Annual Service Training Institute.
Professional Servicers Association PSA “The voice of the service industry.” PSA Convention September 22-25, 2025 view event details at their website Professional Service Association (psaworld.org)
Parts Distributors
Marcone Supply – Visit their website at Hands-On Training: Fall 2024 - Welcome to MSA World 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 Samsung’s dedication to helping you with your technical training, you will find Samsung’s training course lineups going forward. Samsung offers a combination of Live In-Person at their STTCs, Live Virtual via WebEx, and On-Demand selections via the SPSN website, with topics across both Samsung and Dacor product lines. Weekly live virtual Training is listed here: https://samsung-electronics.webex.com/meet/hasvctrainers. SPSN On-Demand – A training library that changes with new and updated weekly content. https://support-us.samsung.com/training/index.jsp Please note that the Topics, Dates, and Times are all subject to change. The schedule is sent out weekly, on Fridays.
Whirlpool: Whirlpool’s Service Matters Support & Resources for technicians and Service Matters universities (you may need an SM account) (this is a pay-for-learning model) website offers e-learning online training on laundry, cooking, refrigeration, and dishwasher categories. Alternatively, the Whirlpool Training Center in Cleveland, Tennessee, offers instructor-led, in-person, hands-on training by the Whirlpool training team.
LG: Lgrepair.com has centralized many online resources into a new website. This website provides access to GCSC/ Technical Training and much more. Be sure to check out these valuable 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.
SubZero Service Central - Service and Parts Manuals for all products
o Parts Look-up to show if there is a serial break
o Answer Advisor (community message board and FAQs)
o Connected Diagnostics
o Request Training Info
o Training Calendar
o Installation Training
Training Academies
Dyer Appliance Repair Academy –(Texas): Save time and money. Get employees trained faster. Dyer Appliance Academy is one of the country’s premier appliance repair training schools and has been providing appliance repair technician training since 2013.
Fred’s Appliance Academy – (Ohio): Appliance repair training. Learn from the industry” ‘s best trainers with either hands-on campus training or online at your own pace.
Master Samurai Tech Academy (online) is the only appliance repair training program that teaches complete mastery of the trade. Knowledge is power—the power to make the job easier, more fun, and more profitable.
Appliantology.org is the biggest and best online resource for working appliance repair techs. Here, you can find support from thousands of other expert appliance repair technicians and owners, exchanging tips and tricks or helping troubleshoot problems. Unlimited downloads of over 7,000 appliance manuals, tech sheets, and schematic diagrams. 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 ensuring that technicians continue to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
