We’ll walk you through the steps you can take to start your new career

Making a career or job switch can be a difficult decision to make. It takes courage and fortitude to venture into the unknown, take a risk, and try something new. If you’re currently working as a repair or maintenance technician and need a new challenge, consider entering the field of commercial food service equipment repair. Not sure how to begin the process?

1. Assess Your Readiness to Work as a Commercial Kitchen Repair Service Tech

Repair techs in the commercial kitchen industry work with top-of-the-line equipment in full-service commercial and restaurant kitchens. The work is engaging, fulfilling, and there’s room for professional growth. Technicians also have a high level of autonomy and freedom in their work. At ATECH, we trust and train our service technicians to use their experience and problem-solving skills to identify and implement solutions for our clients. Over the years, we’ve learned that the most successful service technicians tend to have the following skills:

Desire to learn all you can and be the best in your field
Solid foundation of proper troubleshooting skills
Good understanding of how to read a schematic
Strong ability to build relationships with customers by clearly explaining what is wrong with equipment and the steps being taken to fix it

If the list above describes your skills, you might be qualified for a career in commercial kitchen equipment repair. Read on to find out how you can make the switch.

2. Leverage Your Current Experience

While commercial equipment is generally more advanced than home appliances, they’re similar in terms of mechanical functioning. Experience with home appliance repair, general maintenance, or HVAC repair gives you an advantage when applying for employment with a commercial kitchen repair company. Always mention your prior experience, even if it doesn’t seem directly related. Any mechanical or repair experience will make you a more qualified candidate. In addition, you should point out if you’ve already gone through VOTECH (Vocational-Technical) schooling. This proves to the potential employer that you have the mechanical aptitude that the job requires to be successful.

3. Ask Your Potential Employer About Certification

If you don’t have much or any experience in the repair field, commercial kitchen service still may be the right job for you. Many employers are eager to pay for training and certification in order to produce qualified technicians. If you have proven mechanical skills, a commercial kitchen repair company may be even more inclined to invest in your education. You can also pursue continuing education or certification on your own. One possibility is EPA certification. EPA certification is necessary for working with HVAC and refrigeration equipment. This is normally a day-long training with an assessment at the end. There are a variety of online courses available, including many offered by manufacturers. You can also look into training and certification offered by the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association. CFESA offers general education and equipment type training, such as refrigeration and ice machine training. CFESA also offers four areas of commercial equipment Electric, Gas, Steam, and Refrigeration. Being certified in three or more of these areas makes you a Master Certified Technician. However, you can begin work in this industry without being CFESA certified and pursue certification as a goal to complete later in your career.

4. Apply for the Position

If you see a position open up, apply! Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a position open immediately. Remember, many commercial kitchen repair businesses are open to bringing on additional technicians, even if they’re not advertising open positions. Better companies are always hiring. It never hurts to ask, so reach out to the hiring manager to ask about their hiring funnel. Provide a relevant resume or fill out an application. Even if the company may not have positions immediately, many repair businesses keep resumes on file in case of a position opening.

Find a Job That Showcases Your Skills and Experience

Our service techs are at the center of the work we do at ATECH. It's how our founder Mark LeBerte started all those years ago, and our success wouldn't be possible without the efforts of our skilled, hardworking employees. If you want to learn more about current openings at ATECH, complete our application form, and we’ll reach out to schedule an interview. Thank you for your interest!

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Spring into Cleanliness: Essential Tips for Restaurant Spring Cleaning

By markl • March 20, 2024

As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime. Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!

Mastering Winter with ATECH: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

By markl • January 26, 2024

Winter is here, and at ATECH, we understand the unique challenges businesses face in keeping their commercial equipment running smoothly during the colder months. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the strategies, tips, and success stories that can help your business navigate winter effortlessly. From equipment maintenance to emergency services, consider this your go-to resource for mastering winter with ATECH. Winter Equipment Maintenance Tips Checklist for Winter-Ready Equipment: Inspect Seals and Gaskets : Ensure a tight seal to prevent cold air leakage. Check Insulation : Evaluate the insulation of walk-in coolers and freezers. Clean and Sanitize : Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment surfaces. Temperature Adjustment : Set optimal winter temperatures for each piece of equipment. ATech Maintenance Tips for Different Equipment: Fryers and Grills : Clean and inspect burners for efficient operation. Ice Machines : Check water lines for insulation and replace filters regularly. Heating Systems : Schedule preventive maintenance to optimize efficiency. Electronic Equipment : Keep spaces well-heated and clean to prevent malfunctions. Businesses often grapple with specific equipment failures that can disrupt operations. ATECH understands the challenges posed by heating system malfunctions, electronic equipment performance, and other issues during the colder months. To tackle these common winter-related failures, businesses should prioritize preventive measures. Regular heating system maintenance checks and air filter replacements can prevent malfunctions. For electronic equipment, maintaining ambient room temperature and conducting routine cleaning are key strategies to ensure optimal performance throughout winter. ATECH's Winter Services: A Lifeline for Your Business Winter demands a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, and ATECH stands as the lifeline for businesses navigating the challenges of the season. Our comprehensive winter services go beyond mere repair and include prompt equipment repairs, planned maintenance, and emergency services. With a commitment to same-day service for urgent winter emergencies, ATECH ensures that businesses can rely on swift resolution during critical times. What sets us apart is our team of factory-trained and CFESA-certified technicians, offering not just reliability but a dedicated partnership to keep your business running smoothly through the coldest months. Trust in ATECH, your lifeline in the winter business landscape. Winter doesn't have to be a season of uncertainty for your business. With ATECH by your side, you have a reliable partner dedicated to providing top-notch equipment repairs and maintenance services. Master winter with confidence, knowing that our comprehensive guide and expert services are here to support your business every step of the way. For personalized winter readiness assessments and expert guidance, contact ATECH today. Let's navigate winter together, and keep your business thriving.