The engineer will install and service a range of domestic and/or commercial equipment from washing machines and micro-wave ovens in the kitchen, laundrette or restaurant to television and audio equipment in the living room.
The influence of computers in controlling washing machines and providing television, have brought the installation and service requirements of these products together. In the near future, the ‘smart home’ will give wireless control of these products and link their requirements still closer.
To meet the needs of these ‘smart’ products, it is essential that the engineer is I.T. literate and has an understanding of all aspects of connectivity, with the ability to make and troubleshoot I.P. connections to routers, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, in both domestic and commercial situations. The engineer must also be capable in the usage of “Apps”.
Technology is developing at a rapid rate and the range of products requiring the engineers skills will expand and require the engineer to maintain and update their knowledge and skills to meet these future needs. Many products will be integrated into the ‘smart home’ in the future and talk to each other through the “Internet of Things” giving the engineer a secure and profitable future.
As most of the work is carried out in the customer’s home or business, the engineer has to be polite, well dressed and have appropriate customer facing skills. The work will be interesting and varied giving the opportunity to work with a wide range of people in differing environments. The engineer should have an enquiring mind and be able to follow a logical sequence of mechanical events or electrical tests.
Following the Apprenticeship, the engineer will have additional training if they are working on gas appliances or working in specific commercial premises, they may also have the opportunity to take additional qualifications to further develop their skills and extend their prospects into management, training or development
What you'll learn
Observe health and safety regulations and procedures including:
- Apply electrical safety tests.
- Avoid the hazard left by residual energy.
- Ensure all tools and equipment are safe and fit for purpose.
- Understand and apply EU/BS product standards.
- Apply Portable Appliance Testing.
- Identify and use the appropriate mode of communication and be able to deal with and listen to customers.
- Comply with health and safety procedures to protect colleagues, customers and their family.
- Resolve disputes and know who to report to in case of problems.
- Research and apply environmental legislation that is current and appropriate to installations and repairs.
- Advise customers on energy saving practices and choosing environmentally friendly purchases in the future.
- Use the correct lifting techniques.
- Apply safe stowing procedures.
- Fit / remove safety bolts.
- Deliver product
- Agree suitable site, with customer, for installation.
- Carry out electrical safety tests.
- Install product to manufacturer’s regulations.
- Make network connections including WiFi, Internet and blue tooth.
- Demonstrate product to customer’s satisfaction ensuring customer can operate product.
- Complete paperwork including re-call registration if agreed with customer.
- Select, use and apply diagnostic tools and aids to locate fault.
- Ensure that there is not a primary reason for fault occurring.
- Ensure replacement components are correct and meet specification.
- Replace components or reinstate software using correct sequence, appropriate tools and techniques.
- Ensure no damage to other components.
- Ensure product is working properly, test it for electrical safety, EU/BS Standards and demonstrate it to the customer.
- Communicate technical findings and Product / claim investigations, both verbally and in writing.
- Observe and adhere to the principals of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) when handling spare parts and open products
- Apply the appropriate electrical, electronic & software principles to understanding the nature and reason for faults.
- Understand and apply the principles behind product connectivity
- Understand and complete Network & Router set-up
- Relate performance to speed and/or set-up of the customer network
- Understand Apps and use them in product function & troubleshooting
Entry requirements
Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification.
