CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A local arcade shop is pairing with other organizations to help students learn electronic skills while working on repairing arcade games.
- The program is designed for people who are unemployed, underemployed or just simply want to try something new
- The skills students learn in the course are designed to bridge over into other electronic fields
- Organizers hope to hold another course in the spring
The program is called Electronics Through Arcade Game Repair and some students say playing these games have been a passion since they were kids.
“I can remember riding my bike and hopping over to 7-eleven to play arcade games,” student Lee Rankin said.
Now, these students have the opportunity to take their passions and make a career out of it. The program was put together by Potions and Pixels, which hosts gaming events, and Abari Game Bar. The owner of Abari Game Bar and a technician helped put the curriculum together.
“The main thing we focused on was CRT Repair for arcade games, which is cathode-ray tubes,” Abari Game Bar technician, Matthew Mandara said.
Mandara explained that arcade games are different than working on computers or flat-screens.
“These you actually use vacuum tubes, which actually spray the electrons out on the screen,” Mandara said.
The program is designed for people who are unemployed, underemployed or just simply want to try something new.
“I am currently waiting tables,” student Andrew Fals said. “I have also done construction from a big box retailer. Seeing any opportunity to climb upward is exciting.”
The skills students learn in the course are designed to bridge over into other electronic fields.
“We thought, hey there might be an opportunity here to work on the arcade equipment and teach fundamental electrical skills that students can take directly into the workforce,” Founder and CEO of Potions and Pixels, Michael Zytkow said.
It’s one of the reasons DPR construction sponsored the program.
“A lot of our trades positions are not being filled for the lower-level or entry level position,” General Manager of DPR Construction, Derek Benfield said. “So we are not recruiting into the trade as the older generations are retiring out.”
Benfield explained that has caused a hole in their workforce and they hope these students may now have the skills to fill it.
“I have big plans, first moving out of my moms house,” Fals said. “In 5 years, maybe have my own company, and in 10 years being CFO of Duke energy.”
The entire course was $50 thanks to local sponsorships. Students graduated November 14. Organizers hope to hold another course in the spring.
For more information visit their website.