Industry partnership program with CTIA and iFixOmaha provides community access to paid device repair on the Fort Omaha campus
OMAHA, Neb., January 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Metropolitan Community College, CTIA and iFixOmaha today announced the launch of the first-ever mobile device repair certification program for post-secondary education. The first MCC Mobile Device Repair Academy is scheduled to launch in the spring quarter at MCC Digital Express, the college’s state-of-the-art digital library that recently opened on the Fort Omaha campus.
The Academy is a qualification program that includes a one-week boot camp and an eight-week internship. Attendees can earn two Wireless Industry Service Excellence (WISE) certifications upon successful completion of the boot camp.
The WISE certification program was created in 2019 by CTIA, the association of the wireless industry, after years of coordinated efforts by more than 50 organizations across the spectrum of the wireless industry. By setting standards for employee training and best practices for mobile device repair, the program provides consumers with a predictable, high-quality repair experience.
Approximately 50 million mobile screens are damaged each year and the non-credit program will provide a cost-effective resource to the public omaha community.
“There is a significant market need for mobile device repair and MCC is pleased to partner with CTIA and iFixOmaha to offer this unique educational program,” said Gary Girard, MCC Vice President for Community and Workforce Education. “The commitment of our partners allows our students to benefit from valuable training that will help them launch a technology career with exceptional growth potential, and gives our community access to cost-effective device repairs.”
Reboot Central, the technology support service desk at Digital Express, is staffed by MCC students who have completed Boot Camp and earned WISE Level 1 and 2 certifications. During this internship, participants receive hands-on training in repairing broken equipment and acquiring customer service skills. Repairs are overseen by WISE Authorized Training Administrators at iFixOmaha, an independent mobile repair shop of three omaha Locations and regional expansion targets.
“The internship portion is what makes the program really unique as it provides the local workforce with an immediate employable workforce,” said Girard. “Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the technical skills and the soft skills required to work in a professional mobile device repair shop.”
“The wireless industry is committed to educating and expanding access to in-demand careers in wireless technology,” he said Michelle James, CTIA Vice President, Strategic Industry Programs. “We are proud to partner with iFixOmaha, a member of MCC and CTIA, to bring this unique academic education to the repair industry.”
iFixOmaha’s investment to manage the program is a critical component, Girard said.
“Over the years we have tried to downsize omahaand the one thing that always hinders our growth is staffing – having properly qualified technicians,” said Jason DeWater, Founder of iFixOmaha. “The certification is tremendously valuable in this career because it ensures that the job applicant has done the work required to be employed by one of the leading companies in this industry. Art knowledge for the repair of today’s smartphones.”
DeWater said that completing the MCC Mobile Device Repair Academy will also be the new standard for working at iFixOmaha.
“It has the potential to turn people into entrepreneurs overnight,” DeWater said. “We will contract students who come out of this program to work for iFixOmaha, but they can also start their own business.”
“We are excited about this unique program and look forward to integrating this coursework into our other programs at MCC,” he said Karen Wegner, MCC Workforce Education Instructional Designer. She pointed out that scholarships might be available for those who are eligible.
For more information on the MCC Mobile Device Repair Academy or to register, visit www.mccneb.edu/MobileRepair.
SOURCE CTIA – The Wireless Association
