Hometown Hero Appliance Repair Launches Full Apprenticeship Program to Train, Pay and Mentor the Next Generation of Skilled-Trade Workers

3rd Generation Family-Owned Business Invests in Nebraska Workforce

Omaha, NE – Hometown Hero Appliance Repair is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive apprenticeship program aimed at training, paying and mentoring the next generation of skilled-trade workers while helping to fill the critical workforce shortage in Nebraska and its  surrounding areas.

The most recent study conducted by the Nebraska Department of Labor reported that the installation, maintenance, and repair industries suffer the most acute worker shortages, whereby more than 90% of jobs go unfilled. There are several factors contributing to this.

• During the pandemic and continuing through economically turbulent  times, most American families are choosing to repair and maintain their appliances rather than purchase new ones, thereby increasing the demand for technicians to regularly service appliances.
• Due to an aging workforce, for every skilled worker entering the labor force, five experienced workers are leaving or retiring.
• A common misperception that applicants are required to have prior experience before applying for a job in appliance repair.

This isn’t just a local problem. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40% of the skilled trades workforce is expected to retire within the next decade.

Hometown Hero Appliance Repair is addressing this shortage head on with its paid apprenticeship program aimed at providing motivated people with a pathway forward in a well-paying, recession-proof career.

Third-generation owner Todd Daganaar believes in the apprenticeship model, having been through it himself. “There is no better experience than following a trained professional on the job who shares their knowledge and is invested in your personal success. There is a great deal of dignity in
apprenticing alongside a skilled tradesman and going on to build a successful career.”

Apprenticeships are an increasingly viable option for Americans seeking meaningful careers without having to earn a college degree, which can be economically unfeasible for many. A 2024 Strada Education Foundation survey found that fewer than half of Americans believe a college degree
justifies its cost or leads to a satisfying career.

Hometown Hero Appliance repair’s apprenticeship program centers on continuous professional development, as the industry consistently introduces new and complex products. The training provides practical industry insights alongside technical expertise and customer service competencies, equipping new technicians to embark on their careers with skill and confidence.

“At Hometown Hero Appliance Repair, we’ve built our apprenticeship program on the foundation that enthusiasm and commitment are just as valuable as prior experience. We specifically seek out individuals who may have never held a wrench before but possess a commitment to learning and growth,” said Rico Espinoza, Vice President of Operations, adding “Through our structured hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship with master technicians, and course instruction, we transform motivated newcomers into skilled appliance repair professionals who meet the highest industry standards.”

To learn more about Hometown Hero’s paid apprenticeship program please visit https://hometownheroappliancerepair.com/apprenticeship-program/.