Training to become a domestic appliance engineer...
Discussion
Does any have experience of this? Either re-training, or working as a domestic appliance engineer? At the ripe-old age of 48 I am considering a new direction. I have been a photographer for nearly 20 years, which sounds glamorous, but is increasingly a major PITA, with work thin on the ground, and clients wanting the earth for tuppence. I have always been quite good a fixing things, and wish to continue being self-employed. I live in what I would call a 'target rich' place when it comes to the local customer base - Wandsworth in South London, and there must be a zillion fairly affluent households within a couple of miles. Googling for courses always seems to lead to one place called Dixon Training in Hull who do a 10 day course. Any experience of this place, or recommendations for others? Or please feel free to tell me if being a service engineer is also a major PITA, and I should avoid this route!
Thanks in advance for your wisdom.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom.
not sure why my reply appeared twice, perhaps PH needs an internet service engineer!
I see your point about the cost of a new machine, but it would be crazy to ditch a quality machine like a Bosch for the sake of £125 and replace it with a cheap model. Or maybe the world has become more disposable than I imagined?
I see your point about the cost of a new machine, but it would be crazy to ditch a quality machine like a Bosch for the sake of £125 and replace it with a cheap model. Or maybe the world has become more disposable than I imagined?
dave_s13 said:
REcently had an issue with our dishwasher after 4 years hard use. Engineer came out and repalced the drain pump then the main control board, there's not much else in there! It still doidn't fix it. Fortunately the Ikea 5 year warranty resulted in a brand new replacement unit.
What I'm trying to say is that in a similar situation, working as an independent engineer, this particular job would have seen you out of pocket. Will they all be simple fixes??
That is a very good example of the kind of jobs that must really annoy a service engineer.What I'm trying to say is that in a similar situation, working as an independent engineer, this particular job would have seen you out of pocket. Will they all be simple fixes??
I had to call out an engineer to fix a broken Fisher & Paykal fridge at home recently. I had neither the time nor the balls to get this one to bits! Bloke arrived, replaced a tiny fan that was made in Taiwan but the price was over £50, and left 15 minutes later, probably on his way to another easy fix. I then repaired the old fan, which just needed a wire soldering in-place. At least I have a spare now.
Yes, the term 'engineer' could be a little misleading in this application. Though I did a 4 year EITB apprenticeship to become a 'welder-fabricator' ( AKA boilermaker ) in the 1980's, then realised I didn't want to breath-in fumes and be covered in crap for the rest of my life.
I would still be interested from anyone working in this field - perhaps you are all too busy repairing appliances to be browsing forums such as this?
I would still be interested from anyone working in this field - perhaps you are all too busy repairing appliances to be browsing forums such as this?
OK - forget I ever mentioned the 'E' word!
When it comes to appliances becoming increasingly disposable, I think this is only at the bottom end of the market. Plenty of my neighbours think nothing of dropping £5K on a Mercury cooker ( although I doubt 'cooker' is the word the manufacturers use! ) or £1500 on a Smeg fridge ( which is probably the same inside as a Hotpoint ) and they wouldn't consider scrapping them for the price of a fan or an element. They would probably have a manufacturers warranty though, so would call the appropriate person rather than a local 'fixer' .
When it comes to appliances becoming increasingly disposable, I think this is only at the bottom end of the market. Plenty of my neighbours think nothing of dropping £5K on a Mercury cooker ( although I doubt 'cooker' is the word the manufacturers use! ) or £1500 on a Smeg fridge ( which is probably the same inside as a Hotpoint ) and they wouldn't consider scrapping them for the price of a fan or an element. They would probably have a manufacturers warranty though, so would call the appropriate person rather than a local 'fixer' .
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