Comparing Cornerstone Appliance Training, Penn Foster, and Uncle Harry’s
Whether you’re new to appliance repair and eager to learn the trade, or a technician looking to refine your skills, you’ve likely found that training options are limited. Typically, your options include:
- A handful of in-person academies that can cost thousands, require travel, and offer limited seats.
- A few online training programs with open enrollment and more budget-friendly tuition.
Since hands-on practice becomes straightforward once you’ve acquired the right skills, most students choose online courses for their affordability and flexibility. But when it comes to online appliance repair schools – such as Cornerstone Appliance Training, Penn Foster, and Uncle Harry’s – which one offers the best education and value?
In this article, you’ll learn what each course covers, how the programs work, and what post-graduation benefits you can expect from each online appliance repair school.
While you can learn the basics of appliance repair at many schools, only Cornerstone Appliance Training offers the option to continue your education with advanced courses. These courses equip you with the skills to handle any issue, even on the latest, most modern appliances.
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No matter which program you choose, you’ll learn the fundamentals of how standard appliances operate, the common issues they face, and the typical solutions that fix them. This knowledge will prepare you for a range of service calls.
But what happens when the usual fix doesn’t work? What do you do when you arrive and are faced with an issue you’ve never encountered? This situation is more common than you might think, especially as appliance technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and new models are constantly being released. Few things are more stressful than standing in a frustrated customer’s home with no clear plan. And calling a help-line not only delays the service but can also make you appear less competent. How much will a customer pay if the real expert is the person on the phone, while you’re just swapping parts?
Cornerstone Appliance Training has earned its reputation for teaching advanced troubleshooting techniques that allow you to quickly and confidently resolve any appliance issue, no matter how rare. You’ll gain a deep, functional understanding of the technology common to all appliances, across all makes and models. This knowledge makes you highly effective and sets you apart. Not only can we help you start your appliance repair business, but we can also train you to excel at solving service calls better than anyone else in your area.
How the Courses Work
How a course is taught is just as important as what is taught. Are the lessons and examples clear? Are they fun and engaging? What happens if you need additional help? Master Samurai Tech works hard to make sure our students keep learning, because we want to see you succeed.
Even if the course covers the information you need, you won’t learn much if it’s taught poorly. Everyone has a preferred learning style—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic (hands-on)—and students learn better when teachers use a mix of these styles. So, it’s important to look for a variety of course materials.
But an even more important key to good teaching is to keep students interested and engaged. We all know from past school experience that it is very hard to learn when you are falling asleep every few minutes from boredom.
You may have noticed we’re a little quirkier – Master Samurai Tech? – and there’s a reason: we want your training to stick. We do all we can to keep the training fresh and fun, because when you’re enjoying yourself you actually absorb the material being taught.
Graded quizzes and exams throughout each course help you test and apply what you’re learning to make sure you really get it. And if you ever need a little additional help understanding the material, we give personal, interactive help in our Ask the Teacher Forums
Your Graduation Benefits
What happens after your training is complete? If you’re thinking ahead, you’ll choose a program that continues to support you throughout your career. While we are constantly adding more resources, Cornerstone Appliance Training already offers one of the best post-graduation perks: free access to Appliantology, the largest online community of appliance repair experts, with a searchable archive of every manual and tech sheet you’ll ever need.
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Since Penn Foster’s program isn’t run or staffed by seasoned appliance repair technicians, don’t expect much in the way of support after you finish the course. Uncle Harry offers “lifetime support” and an “Appliance Wizard Tablet,” but these resources are not as straightforward as they appear. We believe that YOU should be the expert, not your tablet.
When you enroll in Cornerstone Appliance Training, you gain free membership to Appliantology, the largest online community of appliance repair professionals. Here, you can access industry updates, get community support for tricky problems, and find all the manuals and tech sheets you’ll need to succeed (and load them onto your own tablet if you wish).
There’s always more to learn, even after completing advanced training, so ask yourself: Am I truly dedicated to mastering the craft, or am I just looking for a quick fix?
Summary of Your Options:
Penn Foster – Penn Foster offers the least expensive program, but you get what you pay for. While it covers the basics, the training doesn’t provide the advanced skills necessary to become a true professional. If you hit a roadblock and need support, whether during or after the program, Penn Foster doesn’t offer expert help.**
Uncle Harry’s – On the higher end of the price spectrum, Uncle Harry’s is a solid option for quickly setting up an appliance repair business and getting calls. However, when it comes to learning the trade beyond being a basic parts-changer, especially with modern computer-controlled appliances, Uncle Harry’s content and support are outdated by about 20 years.**
Cornerstone Appliance Training – We provide the most thorough training and the most comprehensive support of the three, because we are truly invested in your success. Why?
We’re passionate about elevating the profession of appliance repair. Being an appliance repair technician should be something you’re proud of, with every satisfied customer reaffirming your expertise. To achieve that, you need to master the trade. Let us train you to be a skilled, confident technician who stands out in the industry. Join Cornerstone Appliance Training and become a true professional.
