On a Saturday morning, a group of students gather around faulty tablets and personal computers. The students are part of a growing number of classes offered on the weekend, and they are focusing on learning how to fix these devices as part of their IT training. They are also collaborating on a world-wide effort for iFixit.com, aimed at helping people reuse their devices.
“Computer manufacturers have to develop repair manuals for their devices, however, they are not required by law to publish them,” says Wyatt Johnson, faculty and program director of the Cisco Networking training program at GateWay. “Our students are helping people all over the world by preparing these repair manuals, documenting the process and making them available online.”
According to iFixIt.com, it is estimated that 75% of electronic devices end up in landfills, which presents a hazard for all as these are packed with toxins including arsenic, lead, polybrominated biphenyl flame retardants and more.
For Reyna Serrato, the opportunities to learn how to fix these devices as well as to enter a field that is not common for women is what drew her to this cla
“I found out I love computers and that I love to work on computers,” says Serrato who is studying to obtain her A+ Certification. “I don’t see a lot of girls in this field, but there is a great opportunity to enter this field.”
She recalls her previous class was an all female class in IT. She is now an advocate for IT and posted photos on social media of her most recent tablet fix.
“In this class I learn about tablets, desktops, cell phones and small devices,” says Serrato. “I posted a few photos on snap chat when I was opening my device and I had friends message me, asking if I could also fix their devices. I was able to help them.”
For Miguel Rodriguez, the pursuit of an associate degree in Cisco Networking is what brought him to this class.
“It was a very hands-on class building and repairing computers,” says Rodriguez. “ I see a lot of job market for this role.”
For both Serrato and Rodriguez, what attracted them to GateWay was the availability of the instructors to help them and how they interact with students.
“At GateWay it feels more like family. Everyone is friendly, and I can ask anyone for help when I have a question.”