How to Be Repair Technician Apprentice - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When an individual is employed as a Repair Technician Apprentice, they will gain a variety of skills and knowledge related to their field. This includes learning how to use the appropriate tools and techniques to diagnose and repair various types of equipment. In addition, the apprentice will acquire a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical principles, as well as safety protocols and regulations. As a result of these skills, the apprentice will be able to provide efficient, reliable, and cost-effective repairs and maintenance services to customers, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and ultimately leading to increased sales and profits for the company.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, to become a repair technician apprentice.
Consider obtaining postsecondary education. While not required, some employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary education in electronics, computer technology or a related field.
Look for apprenticeship opportunities. Contact local appliance, electronics and computer repair shops to ask about apprenticeship opportunities. Apprenticeships are typically unpaid, but provide valuable on-the-job experience in the field.
Work with a mentor. Once you are accepted into an apprentice program, you will be paired with an experienced repair technician who will act as your mentor. You will work alongside your mentor, learning the skills and techniques necessary to become a successful repair technician.
Complete any required certifications. Depending on the type of repairs you are doing, you may need to obtain certifications from the manufacturers of the products you are repairing. Ask your mentor or employer what certifications are required.
Advance to journeyman status. After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship and obtained any necessary certifications, you can advance to journeyman status as a repair technician. At this point, you will be able to work independently and will be responsible for all aspects of the repair process.

Being a Repair Technician Apprentice requires one to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Keeping competent with the industry involves regularly attending workshops, seminars, and other educational courses to stay on top of new developments and processes. This ensures that Repair Technician Apprentices have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively diagnose and repair any equipment or machinery.

Having a basic understanding of digital systems and electronic components is also important for Repair Technician Apprentices to remain proficient. By staying informed and educated on the latest industry developments, Repair Technician Apprentices can ensure they are equipped with the knowledge needed to repair any issue quickly and accurately.

You may want to check Repair Technician III, Refrigeration Repair Technician, and Plumbing Repair Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Perform basic repairs and maintenance on small electrical appliances, such as toasters, radios, and vacuum cleaners.
Assist in diagnosing the cause of malfunctioning equipment and apply appropriate repair techniques.
Assemble, install, and test new equipment.
Provide technical advice and assistance to customers.
Dismantle defective machines and replace defective parts, using hand tools and power tools.
Clean, lubricate, and adjust parts and equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
Maintain records of repairs and replacements.
Troubleshoot electrical systems and components.
Follow safety procedures when working with electrical equipment and hazardous materials.
Keep work areas organized and clean.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read, understand and apply technical manuals and wiring diagrams.
Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and electronic testing equipment.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
Knowledge of basic electrical theory and circuit analysis.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and electronic problems.
Ability to use a computer for basic research and to access repair information.
Ability to follow safety guidelines when working with tools and equipment.
Knowledge of the operation of common household appliances and electronics.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers.
Ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Ability to take direction from supervisors and complete tasks in a timely manner.
Excellent customer service skills.

Having strong problem-solving skills is the most important skill for a Repair Technician Apprentice. Being able to quickly and accurately identify the issue, diagnose the problem, and determine the best solution is essential to successful repair work. This requires a keen eye for detail, an understanding of how components interact with one another, and the ability to think critically.

Being able to communicate effectively is also important, as it allows the technician to explain the process to customers and ensure that they are satisfied with the end result. having a good grasp of safety protocols is essential for the safety of the technician, their customers, and the equipment being serviced. By mastering these skills, a Repair Technician Apprentice can become a successful and reliable technician.

Phone and Computer Repair Technician, Bicycle Repair Technician, and Repair Supervisor II are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in repairing electronics?
How would you approach troubleshooting a difficult repair issue?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult repair decision.
What safety procedures do you follow when working with electrical components?
What methods do you use to diagnose problems?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques for repairing electronics?
Describe your experience with soldering and desoldering components.
How do you prioritize tasks when working in a busy repair shop?
Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem on a tight deadline.
What challenges have you faced while working as a repair technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. A handheld device used to measure electrical voltage, current and resistance. (eg: Fluke 87V)
Soldering Iron. An instrument used to heat and melt metals for the purpose of joining them together. (eg: Weller WLC100)
Screwdrivers. A tool used to turn screws and bolts. (eg: Craftsman Phillips)
Pliers. A tool used to grip and bend objects. (eg: Channellock 8-Inch Slip Joint Plier)
Wire Cutters. A tool used to cut through wires. (eg: Klein Tools Diagonal Cutting Pliers)
Wrenches. A tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: Crescent Adjustable Wrench)
Hammer. A tool used to drive nails, pins, and other objects into solid surfaces. (eg: Estwing 16oz Claw Hammer)
Socket Wrench Set. A set of tools used to drive nuts and bolts in tight spaces. (eg: Craftsman Socket Wrench Set)
Heat Gun. A tool used to heat up objects quickly and evenly. (eg: Dewalt Heat Gun)
Glue Gun. A tool used to apply hot glue to various objects. (eg: Surebonder Mini Glue Gun)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Automotive Service Association (ASA)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA)

We also have Repair Mechanic, Repair Inspector, and Machine Tool Repairer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hand Tools. Tools used to perform manual tasks such as cutting, drilling, and sanding.
Power Tools. Tools powered by electricity, air, or a motor, used to perform the same tasks as hand tools but with greater speed and power.
Soldering. A process of joining two metal pieces using melted solder.
Electrical Wiring. Connecting electrical components with insulated wires in order to create a functioning circuit.
Diagnosis. The process of determining the cause of an issue by analyzing symptoms and testing equipment.
Troubleshooting. The process of systematically identifying and resolving problems or malfunctions in equipment.
Maintenance. The regular inspection and servicing of equipment to ensure proper operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to become a Repair Technician Apprentice?

Generally, the requirements for becoming a Repair Technician Apprentice include having a high school diploma or GED, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a valid driver's license, and basic knowledge of electronics, mechanical systems, and tools.

How long does it typically take to become a Repair Technician Apprentice?

The amount of time it takes to become a Repair Technician Apprentice will vary depending on the individual's experience and training. It can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the necessary training and on-the-job experience.

What type of tasks do Repair Technician Apprentices perform?

As a Repair Technician Apprentice, tasks may include inspecting and diagnosing equipment, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues, replacing defective parts, and testing systems.

What type of salary can a Repair Technician Apprentice expect?

The average salary for a Repair Technician Apprentice is typically between $30,000 and $45,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience and location.

What are the benefits of becoming a Repair Technician Apprentice?

Benefits of becoming a Repair Technician Apprentice include gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the field, as well as the potential for career growth and advancement. Additionally, most apprenticeships include some form of tuition reimbursement or other financial assistance.

Web Resources

Machine Repair Apprentice | Gateway Technical College - GTC www.gtc.edu
Maintenance Technician Apprentice Program | Madison College madisoncollege.edu
Auto Repair Technician Training for Employees | Penn Foster partners.pennfoster.edu