How to become an appliance engineer

Cookers, washing machines, fridges, we all have them. When they stop working, however, someone is going to be needed ASAP to fix them. Thinking about how to become an appliance engineer and benefit from the need? Let’s find out!

Why become an appliance engineer?

Becoming an appliance engineer is an excellent career choice. With so many people choosing to repair their old appliances, engineers are increasingly in demand.

As an appliance engineer, you'll work on a wide variety domestic and commercial jobs.

One of the most attractive things about training for appliance repair is the variety of work you’ll do.

• Ovens

• Extractor fans

• Fridges / freezers

• Cooling fans

• Microwaves

• Washing machines

• Tumble dryers

There are so many appliances that you can learn how to install, fix, and maintain you’ll never be bored.

The huge scope that falls under appliance engineer work is enough to keep you busy and learning new skills for your entire career.

How much can an appliance repair technician make?

Many people are keen to save on having to buy new appliances by getting them repaired. Also, environmentally-conscious consumers are opting to repair, recycle and reuse rather than throw away. In 2023 alone, it’s estimated that in the UK people bought over 60 million small appliances and more than

Learn more

What does an appliance engineer do?

Appliance engineers tend to work with electrical appliances. Usually the ones that people would label as "white goods".

Work comes under three main categories:

• Install

• Maintain

• Repair

They may work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. They may also work for a large company or as a self-employed appliance engineer.

As an appliance engineer, you will need to adhere to strict safety regulations and stay up to date with the latest technology.

How to become a certified appliance engineer

Training for appliance repair will lead you to be a highly skilled professional. With this in mind, becoming a technician will often take a lot of time and dedication.

Some of the most widely recognised qualifications for appliance engineers are:

• Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation or Engineering Technology

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Installation Engineering apprenticeship

• Electronic Product Service apprenticeship

Alongside these qualifications, you may wish to apply for an ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) card. This is an industry recognised certificate that highlights to employers and people working in the industry that you are a skilled and qualified professional.

As an appliance engineer, you may also want to consider becoming a member of a respected industry body.

Trade associations for appliances

If you’re seriously considering a career as an appliance engineer, there are several industry institutions that will help to enhance your business profile.

These include:

• Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA)

• Domestic Appliance Service Association (DASA)

• Institute for White Goods Engineers (IWGE)

To become a member of these institutions, you will need to complete a range of formal assessments to ensure that you are competent in the work you do.

How to gain appliance engineering experience

Once you’ve qualified as an appliance engineer, you’ll want to begin work and start earning as soon as possible.

Appliance engineer work can be found all over the country. So, wherever you live, you should be able to get some vital experience to grow your skills.

There are a number of ways you could build up your experience:

• Contacting local or national companies that sell or service appliances

• Searching through online databases for relevant tradespeople

• Looking at local job sites for local vacancies within the area of appliance repair

• Try honing your skills at home (if you like to "tinker")

If you’re planning to go it alone and set up your own appliance engineering business, have a read of our guide on how to start an appliance repair business. This will give you an idea of what you’ll need to do and the experience you'll need.

Get off to a strong start as an appliance engineer

One of the best ways to gain more work and grow your appliance engineering skills is by becoming a Checkatrade member.

With over 574,000 searches for appliance repair work on our website last year*, why would you want to miss out on that volume of customer interest?

All Checkatrade members get access to a range of exclusive benefits including:

• Discounts on tools, equipment, materials, and workwear

• Branded marketing materials to help grow your business

• More leads that convert into paying customers

• A trusted reputation with the Checkatrade tick

• An online profile where you can promote your appliance engineering skills

• Guarantee for your work if booked through us (T&Cs apply)

As a Checkatrade member, you're part of a network of trade specialists who have benefitted from customers looking for the services they provide. Our fixed membership option lets you build the plan that’s perfect for you and your business needs.

Join Checkatrade today by starting our verification process now!

FAQs

How much does an appliance engineer earn?

The average annual salary for a domestic appliance engineer is £35,360 per year. Self-employed appliance engineers can earn significantly more than this.

How long does it take to become an appliance engineer?

Some appliance engineering courses can be completed in as little as five weeks.

Previous college level qualifications such as electronic or electrical engineering will also be required, however. These courses usually run for two years.

Are appliance engineers in demand?

Yes. Appliance engineers are in high demand in all sorts of areas of installation, maintenance and repair, from residential to commercial and industrial.

There were over 574,000 searches for appliance repair work on our website last year*, giving you an idea of existing interest.

* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024