Media Release

VCC and Samsung unite to create repair program

Starting this October, a new partnership between Vancouver Community College (VCC) and Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. will make the school the only Samsung-certified appliance repair trainer in Western Canada.

“The Samsung and VCC partnership is an excellent example of the importance of industry joining with colleges to train students for today’s technologies,” says VCC president, Peter Nunoda. “Students get the most relevant education for the marketplace delivered by experienced instructors in a college setting.”

Having successfully delivered a similar appliance repair training program at a Toronto college, Samsung wanted to provide the same training in Western Canada and turned to VCC. The result is the 10-week, part-time Samsung Tech Institute - Appliance Repair Technician - Professional Pathways program, which will focus on offering students practical training on the latest appliances to ensure they can operate, diagnose and service Samsung products.

It will be facilitated from a state-of-the-art lab outfitted with six major Samsung appliances that was designed by the electronics giant and the college. The partnership will also see students using Samsung tablets and digital displays for the most innovative learning experience.

Brett Griffiths is the dean of trades, technology and design at VCC. He says with classes being taught by instructors who are Red Seal-certified and Samsung-trained with industry experience, the program is already generating interest from several appliance businesses and repair service companies. “Successful students receive a certification from Samsung Canada and an award of achievement from VCC,” he says.

“So, the program will potentially open up many opportunities and pathways for students within the industry including: the ability to service Samsung customers more proficiently, increased knowledge of repairing Samsung products, which gives them an edge over other appliance repair technicians; and career growth like possible job advancement, wage increase, and more job opportunities.” Griffiths says the program will also aim to increase the number of qualified service technicians and Samsung brand ambassadors within Canada for Samsung home appliances, including the company’s latest microwaves, refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers.

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To learn more about this offering, attend an upcoming information session at VCC’s Broadway campus.