At Fred’s Appliance Academy, hands-on training is not just a feature of our programs, it is the heart of what we do. For years, our students have gained real experience by working on live appliances in our training lab. Now we are taking the next step in shaping confident and capable technicians.

Introducing the Tech Ride-Along Experience.
This optional add-on places students directly into the daily workflow of a real service technician from our sister service company in Northeast Ohio. If you want to take your training beyond the classroom and into real customer homes, this opportunity is built for you.

Whether you are attending a 1-week course or our full 3-week program, the ride-along experience is one of the best ways to see what life is really like in the field.

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What Exactly Is the Ride-Along Experience?

The Tech Ride-Along is an immersive day in the life of a professional appliance repair technician. You will:

• Travel alongside a real technician
  
• Visit actual customer homes
  
• Observe live service calls
  
• Learn how to communicate with customers
  
• Watch troubleshooting unfold in real time
  
• Gain insight into workflow, organization, parts handling, and real-world problem solving
  

For some students, this experience is the moment where everything “clicks.”

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Flexible Options and Affordable Pricing

Students can choose the ride-along length that best matches their goals:

• 1 Day: $200
  
• 3 Days: $600
  
• 5 Days: $1,000
  

The more days you choose, the deeper the experience.

You can add your ride-along directly during course checkout. No need to wait or register later unless you prefer to. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

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Hassle-Free Refund Policy

Plans change. We get it.
If you need to cancel your ride-along before it begins, you will receive a full refund with no hassle. We understand that travel, work, and life happen.

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Who Can Participate?

The ride-along experience is available to:

• Graduates of the 3-week program
  
• Students who complete any of the 1-week hands-on courses
  

This is not available to the general public. You must attend at least one week of hands-on training before joining a technician in the field.

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Can Local Students Choose a Different Day?

Yes. Although ride-alongs typically begin the Monday after class ends, local students can request alternate scheduling. We are flexible as long as it fits technician availability. Just communicate your needs during enrollment.

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Transportation Details

Students staying at recommended hotels will be picked up and dropped off by their assigned technician each day. This ensures a smooth experience without the stress of navigating unfamiliar routes.

If you choose your own lodging, we will do our best to coordinate arrangements, but hotel pickup is guaranteed only for students staying at one of our suggested locations.

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What Does the Greater Cleveland Area Include?

Do not worry about long commutes or extensive driving. If you stay in one of our recommended hotels, your technician will handle transportation for the entire day.

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A Typical Day in the Field

Most ride-alongs run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although you may be picked up as early as 7:00 AM depending on the technician’s route. End times vary slightly based on the day’s workload, but most technicians finish before 5:00 PM.

You will experience real-world scheduling, which means:

• Some days are fast-paced
  
• Some days may be slower
  
• Every day brings something new
  

If for any reason we feel we cannot provide a meaningful ride-along experience on your selected date, you will receive a full refund along with an explanation.

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Will You Get Hands-On Experience?

This depends on your aptitude and the technician’s comfort level. Some students may be invited to help with small tasks such as carrying tools or getting hands-on under supervision. Others may primarily observe. Every technician and every day is different.

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Will You See a Variety of Repairs?

Much like real life in the trade, there are no guarantees. You might see:

• Laundry repairs
  
• Cooking appliance diagnostics
  
• Refrigeration work
  
• Customer consultations
  

It is the ultimate real-world sampler of what appliance repair truly looks like.

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Safety, Behavior, and Requirements

Students must:

• Wear dark pants
  
• Avoid open-toed shoes
  
• Wear the Fred’s shirt provided
  
• Bring safety glasses
  
• Treat customers and property with respect
  

A simple waiver of liability is included in the standard student enrollment agreement. There is no background check required.

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Is the Ride-Along Covered by Insurance?

No. Students agree to waive liability, similar to the nature of other hands-on training experiences. Students are not employees and are present strictly for observational learning.

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Are Scholarships Offered for Ride-Alongs?

Not at this time. Scholarships currently apply only to our full 3-week program when available.

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Why Ride-Alongs Matter

The appliance repair trade is a real-world profession. The more exposure students have to real service calls, the better prepared they are for success. The ride-along experience bridges the gap between the classroom and the field, giving students confidence, perspective, and a deeper understanding of what daily technician life is really like.

For many students, it is the highlight of their journey at Fred’s Appliance Academy.

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Ready to Level Up Your Training?

If you are serious about becoming a technician or want to accelerate your career, adding a ride-along to your training is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Visit www.fredsacademy.com to explore courses, ride-along options, housing, and upcoming start dates.

Your new career starts with the right training.
Let us help you make it unforgettable.