Barrels, Buggy Whips, And BASIC - A Historical And Personal Perspective On Skill Obsolescence

Abstract

Over the last several years, Apple has released new designs that have received rave reviews as being some of the least repairable computers ever made. Colleges and businesses are increasingly outsourcing repair and maintenance of their technology assets to third parties. Why, then, would anybody choose the increasingly anachronistic trade of hardware repair as a career anchor? In this lightning talk, I'll discuss historical examples of skill obsolescence, as well as how a “wrench” can stay relevant in an era of disposable hardware.