The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) successfully hosted its first Parts to PC Workshop on May 2, 2026, at the ERA Calgary depot, providing students with hands-on experience learning how to build and understand computers from the inside out.
The free two-hour workshop took place at ERA’s Calgary location at 1315 73rd Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, and welcomed students interested in technology, electronics, and computer hardware. The interactive session allowed participants to disassemble and reassemble desktop computers while learning about the major components inside a machine and how they work together to create a functioning system.
During the workshop, students learned how to identify hardware components, safely assemble computers, troubleshoot basic hardware issues, and test completed systems. From individual computer parts to a fully operational machine, the workshop provided a complete hands-on learning experience designed to build practical technology skills.
The Parts to PC program was created to help make technology education more accessible while encouraging youth to explore opportunities in STEM, computer repair, IT support, and electronics refurbishment. Students left the workshop with a stronger understanding of computer systems and practical knowledge they can continue to build on in the future.
One of the unique aspects of the program is ERA’s reuse-first approach. Many of the components used during the workshop were sourced from donated electronics that had been responsibly processed and refurbished by ERA’s technical team. This initiative helps extend the life of electronics while reducing electronic waste in local communities.
Beyond educational programs, ERA continues to support sustainability and secure electronics recycling across Canada. ERA provides certified IT asset disposition (ITAD), secure data destruction, electronics recycling, and technology donation programs for businesses, organizations, schools, and nonprofits nationwide.
ERA also offers secure hard drive destruction and data wiping services to ensure sensitive information is properly destroyed before any device is reused or recycled. The organization operates as an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and ISO 45001 Certified organization, reflecting its commitment to quality management, environmental responsibility, secure data handling, and workplace safety.
Programs like Parts to PC help support ERA’s mission of reducing electronic waste while creating educational opportunities through technology reuse. ERA would like to thank all of the students who participated in the May 2 workshop and looks forward to hosting additional sessions throughout 2026.
To learn more about ERA’s electronics recycling, donation programs, and educational initiatives, visit www.era.ca.