By: Juliever Paspas

Two BCT trainers conducted an extensive 5-day cell phone repair training for  the first batch of Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) at the University of the Cordillera (UC) laboratory training center last January 11 to February 8 2009.

Glenn Prestoza and Allan Argel, both Electronics and Electrical instructors imparted their technical skills to the first batch of OSYs trainees which carried the theme “Sagip-Kabataan.”

How will the training benefit the OSYs?

“It is to change their lives from being an OSYs. To learn new skills that they can use to support their family and to become productive citizen,” stated Prestoza.

According to Argel, since this is a livelihood project, the monitoring team (UC) will supervise these trainees.

Eleven OSYs trainees composed the first batch.

The free training was a project of UC in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education Skills Development Authority with the technical support of Baguio College of Technology. It was also a gift to the City of Baguio in its centennial anniversary.

“It is a privilege to be involved in this community service as well as to give recognition to our school,” added Prestoza.

Only BCT and its trainers including Ferdinand Lambino were accredited by TESDA-Baguio and Benguet to conduct cell phone repair training.

The two were assessors for the Consumer Electronics Servicing NCII which covers the mobile phone servicing aside from assembly-disassembly appliances, audio-video equipment for home and office appliances and electronically-controlled domestic appliances.

It can be recalled that Ferdinand Lambino was the first assessor for Electronics Technician.

The cell phone repair training covered basic operation of cell phone, reading and interpreting schematic diagram, proper use of tools and equipment, analyzing hardware and software troubles, hardware troubleshooting, programming different models of cell phone and downloading data. Some cell phone repair tools include hot air, precision screw, tweezers, computer and cell phone software, soldering iron, data cables, VGA plate and VGA paste.

What is the challenge to the students and trainees?

“Take electronics seriously especially the mobile phone servicing because you can earn from it. Don’t take for granted the major subjects," said Argel

Prestoza and Argel were earning from cell phone repairs as their ‘sideline’ job.

For the record, the school specializes on electronics courses way back 1972 founded by reputable skilled technicians. Until now, it is a training ground aside from other courses.