Practical Assessments are best and why!
We've recently been getting enquiries from people wanting to become a Registered EEESafe Domestic Appliance Technician. Nothing unusual there, but when asked about their experience, many are telling us they have completed Online Training on PAT Testing and Appliance Repairs.
When seeking any form of training and especially domestic appliance repair training it is always best to enquire about the length of time the course has been in operation and the length of time and experience the instructors teaching you have in the appliance repair, servicing, recycling and re-use sectors. If you are going to carry the Competent Persons Standard that EEESafe offers, then be assured we will not accept purely academic online or distance training as evidence you understand Appliance Repairs.
Here's some free advice for you would be Community Fixers in Appliance Repairs. When you search the web for ‘appliance training’ or similar watch out for sites that offer low level distance learning / home study / distance learning as it is simply not possible to learn the required technical depth of knowledge, required to meet our standards. The essential practical skills required to develop in-depth safety testing procedures, fault-finding techniques and practical repair skills must be based on knowing an individual doesn't frequently call someone, or Google a solution when they haven't got an answer. A customer deserves a service and level of competency that ensures a safe environment for a home and its residents, from someone who can demonstrate more than just a basic knowledge of comprehension of electrical safety.
In terms of training, you need experienced technical trainers with respected and recognised knowledge training which is supported by ‘hands on’ workshop facilities and also have knowledge of the Electrical differences in a home environment. They should be able to guide you every step of the way to ensure that you have technical depth of knowledge and the essential practical skills to carry out the numerous tasks you will face as a truly competent appliance engineer.
Remember Qualified Electricians, Housing Associations, Care & Repair & Reuse Companies are not automatically qualified to repair Appliances. It's a completely different set of knowledge and in the wrong hands, could result in a Fire. Function Testing and PAT Testing do not make an appliance safe to use.
Those in the industry or seeking to get their Safety, Competence and Sustainability up to speed, should be aware of providers that offer ‘training’ who simply want you to follow them around as they carry out work on appliances in customers premises. As we set up EEESafe Registered Training Centres around the UK, the Trainers of these establishments will have to demonstrate how they recognise Trainees have captured comprehension. By its very nature this type of ‘training’ offered by online sites is unable to provide the required technical depth to ensure you develop the wide range of knowledge and skills such as safety testing procedures, fault-finding techniques and practical skills required to become a competent EEESafe Domestic Appliance Technician.

EEESafe offers a two week Certification Course, specfically designed for those who want to work with our Community Hubs. A great way to get local business and get known by word of mouth, recommendations and as being the safest Appliance Repairer around.
Registered DAT's will be required to submit readings at customer premises. They will also advise clients about our National Appliance Safety Register. This will be your USP and you will have a Free Entry into our Business Directory, where you will be rated by customers with our standard, on your jobs. You'll also be able to sell Appliances into the LocalitEEE Shop, with a full record of your Sales and CSR. Coming soon is your own Customer Records linked to your Directory Entry. Right now, you can start adding customers appliances to the Register. It's free and will put you in good stead with EEESafe when you apply. You can reference yourself in the register and email us to let us know.
You can Register your interest if you want to apply to be assessed, or enquire about doing the course.