Installation, Maintenance & Repair

The installation, maintenance and repair sector consists of companies that manufacture, retail, install, maintain, and repair appliance and electronic products, and distribute related parts and extended warranty products to consumers.  

This sector is an important segment of the Canadian economy. It employs thousands of technicians, parts personnel, managers and a host of other support staff.

The number of appliances and electronic equipment used in everyday life is growing rapidly. There will always be a need for services to install new appliances or equipment, maintain them for smooth operation, and fix them when they break down or wear out.

Working in Installation, Maintenance & Repair

Employers in the sector include manufacturers, importers, distributors, and large retailers that have national service responsibility for consumer electronic and major appliance products that they manufacture, import or sell.

Most employers in the sector are long established small- to medium-sized businesses. These businesses are mainly independent service centres or authorized service centres, with service contracts with manufacturers, retailers and/or warranty companies.

Work in the sector pays competitive wages.   

The main occupations are:

• Appliance service technicians: these service and repair domestic electrical appliances (e.g., ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators) and small appliances, domestic gas appliances, and commercial appliances.They may be employed by repair shops, appliance service companies and repair departments of retail and wholesale establishments.
• Electronic service technicians: these service and repair household and business electronic equipment such as audio and video systems, computers and peripherals. They may be employed by electronic service and retail establishments, wholesale distributors and electronic manufacturing companies.

Skills & Training

Many community colleges and private training institutes offer training that prepare one for entry-level work in the sector.

Most provinces have apprenticeship programs for the sector. Many manufacturers offer training sessions in the installation and repair of specific products. Certification as a technician or technologist may be required or recommended for some jobs.