Mobile Device Repairer

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mobile Device Repairer. A Mobile Device Repairer maintains, tests, diagnoses and repairs various types of mobile communication devices including, tablets, mobile phones, and e-readers. A qualified learner will be able to: • Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair, and assemble tablets, mobile phones, and e-reader. • Perform maintenance on tablets, mobile phones, and e-readers. • Diagnose and repairing faults in tablets, mobile phones, and e-readers.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes how we live, work, and communicate, it is impacting government, education, healthcare, commerce and almost every aspect of life. Mobile computing is at the heart of these changes and the development of the skills and knowledge to thrive in this environment has a great potential for job creation and poverty alleviation in South African communities. It will increase the potentiality of the mobile device repairers to be employed, while it will ensure the upward mobility of individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit to move confidently towards self-employment. Cell phones are the device of choice to communicate with friends, family and the workplace via the internet around the world. The market is in demand for enough qualified personnel to attend to various issues that arise with the usage and support of mobile computing devices. This part-qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the mobile computing device field in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) that are expressed by the growing upward trend in the market. Currently, the mobile device repair environment is proliferated with individuals who are trained on the job without formal qualifications, hence the need for a formal qualification targeted at people who wish to join the mobile computing device repair industry, or those that are currently working in this industry as salespersons and repairers. They will be performing duties related to fault-finding, repair and maintenance of electronic equipment such as cell phones, tablets, e-readers, etc. This part-qualification will empower the learners with the required skills that will allow them to enter this market of mobile devices with the skills and knowledge to work either in the sales stream or the technical stream. It will permit individuals to increase their employability or become self-employed by starting their own small businesses with the potential of employing others. The part-qualification will benefit societies by ensuring better quality products and services. The sector will benefit from mobile device repairers with a set of competencies aligned to industry-regulated standards for products and services. The economy will benefit from increased revenue due to increased employment opportunities and entrepreneurship due to emerging SMME's that will create employment and pay taxes. It will also allow the country to embark on localisation of manufacturing of electronic devices and components, once there are enough skilled personnel capable of innovation locally. The availability of suitably qualified mobile device repairers will permit quick recovery for faulty mobile computing devices by reducing business interruptions for individuals and businesses and allowing economic activities to carry on. Upon completion, the part-qualification will provide learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader electronic computing device environment, including Mobile Computing Technicians, Senior Technicians, Team Leaders, Master Technicians, Sales Officers, Sales Representatives, Senior Sales Representatives, Mobile Repair Centre Managers, Mobile Devices Warehouse Managers. There is no professional registration needed for the Mobile Device Repairer. There are no similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access • Learners will gain access to the qualification or part- through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. RPL for Credits Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part-qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record." Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 3 qualification with Communication.

• Demonstrate the ability to remove, update and install software and firmware used for tablets, cell phones and e-readers, according to the manufacturer's specifications and procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to assess, dismantle, repair and reassemble Tablets, Cell phones, or E-readers and hardware according to standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair tablets, Cell phones or E-readers according to standard operating procedures.