A company that fixes smartphones is urging the introduction of a formal apprenticeship program in device repair.
Nearly 72 million mobile phone connections were active in the UK in 2022.
There is no industry training standard, says repair company TMT First, which created its own apprenticeship after having trouble hiring.
While there are 33 million cars on the road, mechanics are learning through nationally recognized apprenticeship programs.
Many young techies who may have even experimented with phones at home are now very interested in learning how to do it better and perhaps even make a career out of it, according to Adam Whitehouse from TMT First.
"The technology and all the gadgets in our homes today need to be repaired, if you think about it. And if people are instructed in the proper technique, these gadgets will last longer. ".
In 2006, he established TMT First, a company based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. He claims that 58 employees have gone through his company's training programs so far, and the business now provides its own apprenticeship.
One of them, Daliana Bianca, claimed that whenever she leaves for lunch and is wearing clothing bearing the company's logo, people approach her on the street and ask for assistance with repairs.
On the website of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, a government organization, however, there are no search results for "phone repair.".
Nikki Christie, the deputy director of the institute, told the BBC that there was not enough industry interest.
She said, "This occupation has the potential to be a great entry point into digital careers, so we would welcome renewed interest in developing an apprenticeship for this occupation.
A group of organizations, including Mr. Whitehouse's, had submitted a proposal before the pandemic, but several of them were no longer in operation.
The Department for Education announced that by 2025, the government would make $2.17 billion available for businesses from all industries to establish their own pertinent programs.
Around 10,000 smartphones are delivered each month from Samsung, with whom Mr. Whitehouse's business has a contract, as well as from other sources, to its facility, a former British Gas call center.
His workspace is made up of warehouse-sized rooms stuffed with bulky boxes full of malfunctioning gadgets and row upon row of orderly drawers holding spare parts of various sizes.
The precious metals inside broken phones, including gold, are recovered and reused by shredding them. The battery and outside frame of some handsets can be saved thanks to a new method of repair developed by TMT First, which reduces e-waste.
Depending on the extent of the damage, a skilled technician can complete 15 to 20 repairs in a single shift. The most typical problem is still broken screens.
According to Mr. Waterhouse, "we see devices come in that appear to have been run over by a car.".
There are instances where they were actually struck by a car when we investigate the circumstances of the incident. ".
Then it was my turn to attempt the apprenticeship entrance exam for the business. After watching Tudor Ion, head of repairs, disassemble and then reassemble a smartphone in front of me, I had to do the same.
A skilled technician only needs a few minutes; I needed 45.
Although not challenging, it is fiddly. 15 teeny screws are hidden beneath the casing, and three more, also teeny but of a slightly different size, secure the motherboard to the frame.
To prevent further damage, everything must be carefully disconnected and removed in the right order. The delicate electronics inside the device could be destroyed by even a small amount of accidental static, such as the shock you occasionally get from walking on carpet, so I also had to wear accessories to prevent electrostatic discharge.
You must possess some useful abilities. The most crucial factor, in my opinion, is attitude, though we can teach you how to fix things. However, you must have the right attitude, Mr. Ion advised.
I believe he means by this that after battling with the tiniest screws in the world, you must resist the urge to throw the phone out the window, but maybe I'm wrong.
The right to repair movement has grown in popularity in the US and Europe, and activists are urging the tech industry to assist users in self-repairing their devices.
Apple now offers home loans for technical equipment and makes extensive user manuals available for those interested. However, if your repair is unsuccessful, your warranty becomes void.
There are numerous accounts online of people who encountered difficulties beyond what they had anticipated, including myself. But does it still pose a risk to companies like TMT First?
"There are many people who can fix cars. Numerous people might want to work on their cars over the weekend. However, there are also those who simply want their car fixed, according to Mr. Waterhouse.
"[DIY repair] has unquestionably its place. but I don't believe the majority of people want to make things right themselves.
. "
