In a throwaway world it's good to know that an appliance repair program offered locally is a popular choice for students entering the trades.
The appliance servicing program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Cloverdale campus is the only full-time program of its kind in Canada.
Graduates find work in such diverse areas as technicians, owners, managers, and technical trainers and more – including commercial cooking servicing, vending machine repair, furnace and fireplace servcie, and other occupations.
Justin Forbes, currently enrolled in the APPL program at Kwantlen's trades campus, followed in his father's footsteps because he could see how much enjoyment the field of appliance servicing gave him.
"Technology is always changing and with the various machines we train on, every workday will be interesting and different from the last," says Forbes, who hopes to work for his father's company in Courtenay after he completes the program in June.
He says the program is opening doors he didn't know existed, such as electrical work, commercial refrigeration, and, if he obtains his "C" gas ticket, he'll be able to work as a fireplace service repair person.
The trade incorporates more than one discipline when it comes to technical training, including the areas of electrical, gas, and refrigeration.
"With the changes in technology in our field and the changing demographics in our society there is a real demand for individuals of all ages and backgrounds as an appliance service technician."
There's still time and space to register for the next 39-week course, starting March 5 and ending Nov. 29. For more information, visit www.kwantlen.ca/trades/appliance_servicing.
Kwantlen trains apprentices in automotive mechanical repair, automotive parts, bricklaying, cement mason, industrial engines and equipment parts, industrial warehousing, millwright, welding, upholstery, carpentry and farrier. The campus also offers public safety communications 9-1-1 and drafting programs.
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