How Our Heroes Earn Their Cape
The Hometown Hero Apprenticeship Program
For over 30 years, Hometown Hero Appliance Repair has been hiring and training smart, enthusiastic young people for lucrative careers – and we’ve nearly perfected our apprenticeship program. Wondering if you’re right for the job? We recently sat down with Austin Loncke, Director of Training at Hometown Hero, to discuss the program.
“Some people think they won’t qualify for our apprenticeship program because they don’t have the technical skills. But the truth is that we can train most people if they have the right attitude and are eager to learn,” said Austin. “We love to hire go-getters. Enthusiastic, eager-to-learn individuals who like to solve problems thrive here. I’ve trained successful technicians who didn’t know a thing about appliances on day 1 but loved to take things apart to see how they work. We’ve found that people with a combination of a positive attitude and a bit of mechanical aptitude are a perfect fit.
We also like to bring on people-people,” added Austin. “This is a customer-facing job. We need technicians who are upbeat and have a positive attitude because, to our customers, we ARE heroes there to save the day. Being comfortable talking to customers is a learned skill, and we help our apprentice technicians build that confidence.
Our philosophy at Hometown Hero is always learning because there will always be new, challenging products in the market. Through our apprenticeship program, we teach real-world tips and tricks, along with the technical and customer-facing skills needed to start a career with confidence,” said Austin.
Austin Loncke, Director of Training
What does the process look like to become a Hometown Hero Apprentice?
- Apply: The form takes just a few minutes, and a member of our training staff will contact you within 48 hours to discuss the next steps.
- Aptitude Test: We will send you a link to an aptitude test to learn your strengths.
- Interview: You will interview with a member of our apprentice training staff.
- Ride-Along: You will be invited to ride along with a Senior Technician for one or two calls to get a feel for the job.
- Final Interview: We then schedule a final interview with our Director of Training.
What happens once I’m hired?
DAY 1
Orientation: Spend the day with our Human Resources Director reviewing company policies, our handbook, your benefits, and more. You’ll also get a chance to meet our leadership team, the office support staff, and the parts department crew.
MONTH 1
Online Courses: Hometown Hero will register you for two online certification courses, which you can complete at your own pace.
- Master Samurai Tech: The nation’s premier online appliance repair school.
- Samsung Certification: Become certified as a Samsung Branded Engineer.
Technology: Hometown Hero provides you with an iPad for your online courses and to use as a diagnostic tool during your training.
Hands-On Training: While you are working on your online courses, you will be partnered with an experienced technician so you can begin applying what you are learning with on-the-job training.
MONTHS 2-3
Graduate: Complete your online courses.
Hands-On Training: Continue your on-the-job training while working alongside a senior technician and our training staff.
Soft Skills: Learn crucial skills for working with customers.
MONTH 3+
Samsung Certification: Hometown Hero will send you to the Samsung Technical Center for certification. Airfare and hotel are covered by Hometown Hero.
Independent Work: Start running your own calls after completing your certification.
Continued Professional Development: Hometown Hero believes in investing in our technicians’ professional growth by sending employees to ongoing manufacturer-led trainings to keep their skill set current. Remember, we are always learning!
FAQs
Q: What is the average length of the Hometown Hero Apprenticeship Program?
A: 2 ½ – 3 months.
Q: Am I paid the whole time I’m in training?
A: Yes! But it’s not just about the salary. Learn more about why you should consider a career as a technician.
Q: What hours should I expect to work while in the Apprenticeship Program?
A: You will work a regular workday, which is 8 am – 5 pm. Learn more about the daily work schedule of our techs.
Q: When do I get to start working on real equipment?
A: Almost from day 1! You’ll ride along and observe a Senior Technician for the first couple of weeks, then start assisting. Once you’re ready, you’ll begin leading calls – working on appliances with oversight from your Senior Technician. Learn more about the peaks of this career.
Q: Why should I trust you?
A: Not to brag, but our Director of Training placed in the top 3 nationwide in the Samsung Skills Competition in 2022 and 2023, and Hometown Hero Appliance Repair won the United Appliance Servicers Association’s National Most Professional Servicer Award in 2024. More importantly, we’ve helped launch dozens of careers. You could be next!
