This in-person vocational course prepares complete beginners to assemble, repair, and maintain Windows PCs, equipping them with practical skills aligned to entry-level IT certifications (e.g. CompTIA A+ Level 1/2). Over 12 weeks (approximately 60–90 hours of classroom + lab time), trainees learn to identify and use key hardware components (motherboard, CPU, RAM, drives, power supply, I/O ports, etc.), install and configure Windows operating systems, and perform routine maintenance. The curriculum emphasizes safety and best practices (ESD wrist straps, proper tool use) and hands-on activities (building/disassembling PCs, cleaning components, and diagnostics). By course end, students can assemble a PC from parts, install Windows and drivers, troubleshoot common faults, and follow preventive maintenance procedures.
Learning Objectives
• Identify major PC components: Trainees will recognize the names, functions, and characteristics of storage devices (HDD/SSD), motherboards, power supplies, CPUs, memory, expansion cards, ports/cables, cooling systems, and peripherals.
• Use proper tools and safety: Students learn to use anti-static straps and basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, cable ties) safely when working on hardware.
• Assemble/disassemble PCs: Students practice installing/removing parts step-by-step (case, PSU, motherboard, CPU, RAM, video/sound cards, drives, etc.) and connecting cables.
• Install and configure software: Trainees install Windows OS, configure system settings (BIOS/UEFI, file systems, partitions) and install device drivers and utility software (disk cleanup, antivirus).
• Troubleshoot and repair: The course teaches systematic troubleshooting: diagnosing common hardware and software faults (boot failures, overheating, virus infections, blue screens) and applying repair or replacement.
• Perform preventive maintenance: Students learn regular maintenance tasks (cleaning dust from vents/fans, defragmenting disks, updating software, running antivirus) to ensure reliable performance.
- Teacher: Havinda Scott