For Chris Switzer, the Volt Center at Craven Community College offered more than just a class—it provided the foundation for a hands-on career in a growing field. After completing the Home Appliance Repair program earlier this year, Chris walked away with practical skills and a desire to keep learning.
“It was a good educational class,” he shared. “I would like to take a level 2 course if possible.”
An appliance repair technician installs, maintains, and repairs large home appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, washing machines, and dryers. The work requires not only technical skill and comfort with tools, but also an understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and strong communication abilities.
Through Craven’s Home Appliance Repair class, students gain the comprehensive training needed to pursue this type of career. Topics include:
- Introduction to Appliance Repair
- Electricity, Electronics, and Gas for Home Appliances
- Clothes Washers and Dryers
- Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops
- Refrigeration and Freezers
- Dishwashers and Microwaves
- Small Appliances
- Soft Skills for Interview Preparation
Located near downtown New Bern, the Volt Center is Craven’s workforce development training hub, offering short-term programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs across the region. Established in 2015 through a partnership between Craven Community College, the City of New Bern, Craven 100 Alliance, Craven County, the Golden LEAF Foundation, the Harold H. Bate Foundation, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Volt Center continues to play a key role in building a skilled local workforce.
For Chris, the experience sparked an interest in continuing his training and expanding his expertise in the appliance repair field, a true reflection of the Volt Center’s mission to help students learn, grow, and succeed.
