In January 2007, Electrolux in collaboration with Lakeland Community College (Kirtland, OH) will launch a comprehensive hands-on training program focused on servicing major appliances.

The training will be made up of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, troubleshooting and repair. In addition, there is an on-line (web-based) self-study curriculum in basic refrigeration and electricity.

The 3 week course is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 8, 2007 and will continue for 3 consecutive weeks.

The program will be piloted at Lakeland’s new state-of-the-art Industrial Skills Training Center. The Skills Training Center is capable of handling 6 complete appliance workstations with water, gas and electricity. In addition, a multi-media classroom with multi-media capability will help ensure that the trainees walk away with the necessary knowledge and skills that can immediately be put to use.

Electrolux has donated refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, microwaves and outdoor gas grills, all in an effort to support the program.

Lakeland will also work with NASTeC to develop a National Certification Exam. At the end of the 3 week session, trainees will be prepared to take the exam. Depending on the success at Lakeland, the program may be expanded to other partner community colleges throughout the United States.

Discussion is also underway for Lakeland to develop an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Appliance Servicing Technology. Students who have successfully completed the NASTeC certification exam can receive academic credit towards the completion of the AAS.

Appliance Training Skills

3 Week Program

Dryers-
D. Electrical components used including switches, timers, electronic controls and sensors.
D. Installation of product; venting, electrical, and plumbing requirements.
D. Importance of proper airflow.
D. Gas burners and controls.
Ranges-
A. Install and discuss proper electrical and plumbing requirements.
B. Discuss types of heating elements.
C. Infinite switches and electronic oven and surface unit controls.
D. Gas burners and converting from natural to LP.
E. Types of ignition systems.
Dishwashers-
A. Proper installation and electrical and plumbing requirements.
B. Address common problems with installation and customer instruct.
C. Proper use of detergent and chemicals and how they work.
D. Pumps and dispensers and water circulation.
E. Mechanical and electronic timers.
Clothes Washers-
A. Top load washers
I. Installation and electrical and plumbing requirements.
II. Disassembly and reassembly of complete washer.
III. Proper use of detergent and additives.
IV. Identifying chemical damage of clothing.
V. Electrical circuit including mechanical and electronic controls
B. Front load washers
I. Installation and electrical and plumbing requirements.
II. Advantage over top load washers.
III. Disassemble and reassembly of complete washer.
IV. Electrical circuit including mechanical and electronic controls.
Microwaves-
A. Installation and electrical and venting requirements.
B. Testing for microwave leakage.
C. Basic theory and testing of components.
Refrigeration-
A. Top mount refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators.
B. Defrost systems.
C. Proper electrical and plumbing requirements.
D. Ice makers.
E. Water and ice dispensers.
F. Electronic controls.
G. Proper sealed system repairs.
H. Use of torch and high temperature braze.
I. Diagnosing of sealed system.
J. Damper controls.
K. Fast, efficient, and safe way to defrost evaporator coils.

Fred Butcher: Course Instructor

The Instructor for the 3 week course is Fred Butcher. Fred has been the President of Fred’s Appliances for the past 10 years. Fred’s Appliances currently has 11 technicians. His company is a factory authorized service center for virtually all brands of appliances.

In addition, Fred has over 30 years experience servicing appliances, including 8 years with Sears where he was one of their top service technicians. He acquired his CFC Certification and completed advanced electrical and mechanical courses while working at Sears.

His hands on approach, attention to detail and customer service have helped his company become the success story that it is today.

How to Register

Where:
Lakeland Community College (Kirtland, OH). Lakeland is approximately 35 miles East of downtown Cleveland, off of Interstate 90 on Rt. 306.

When:
Week #1: January 8-12, 2007

Week #2: January 15-19, 2007

Week #3: January 22-26, 2007

Cost:
$1200 for the complete 3 week program, which includes student course materials.

Course does not include food or lodging. Please call for more information.

Class Size:
Limited to 18 participants. Early registration is encouraged.

For More Information:

Call:
Tammy Bailey
Program Assistant
Center for Business & Industry
Lakeland Community College
440.525.7315
E-mail: tbailey@lakelandcc.edu

- The IST page can contain some general info about the Center & pics too
- Add link to register for on-line IST courses (take link form LIEA homepage)