BECOME A TECH BOSS CREATE A CAREER IN COMPUTERS

writer PETER WHITE photographer LOGAN WEST

“Take a deep breath, stand straight, think and keep your head up – for there is no limit to what you can achieve in the world,” says MYLES FOSTER. “With determination, a positive mindset and the willingness to seize opportunities, even the humblest beginnings can lead to remarkable success.”

Myles (33) fell in love with computers from the moment he received his first computer aged 11. It ignited a spark that would shape the course of his life.

Little did he know that this humble introduction to technology would lead him down a path of success as a tech entrepreneur.

“Dad walked in with a computer one day and I thought, ‘What’s this?’ He said you can make music CDs on it and I thought, ‘Cool’. I had a look and just never got off it.”

As a child, Myles immersed himself in learning the ins and outs of the Windows XP operating system, quickly becoming a master at maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems.

It wasn’t long before his friends and family sought his help with their tech issues and in return, he would receive small amounts of cash as koha. Recognising an opportunity, he mowed lawns to earn extra money and reinvested it in his burgeoning repair business.

Gaining qualifications has been important throughout his career journey. Recently, Myles completed a Diploma in Networking (Level 6) from New Zealand Skills and Education (NZSE).

Myles loved his time studying at NZSE and recommends it to school leavers.

“It is a good atmosphere and is really classy. Teachers go above and beyond. We had a couple of tutors stay till

8pm to help us. It is also specialised, which I liked.”

Myles had always dreamt of owning a tech business. He firmly believed that every closed door simply meant another one would open.

Last year, he set up his own company Kiwi Computers, based on Queen Street in central Auckland.

“With experience and qualifications under my belt, I decided it was time to turn my dream into reality. I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, and I faced challenges along the way, but never lost faith in my abilities.

“With my people-first approach and a genuine passion for helping others, the repair business flourished. I have

■ MYLES FOSTER RUNS HIS OWN BUSINESS, KIWI COMPUTERS, BASED ON QUEEN STREET IN AUCKLAND

■ HE RECENTLY COMPLETED A DIPLOMA IN NETWORKING (LEVEL 6) THROUGH NEW ZEALAND SKILLS AND EDUCATION AND ALSO HAS A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE (LEVEL 5) AND HELP DESK SUPPORT CERTIFICATE (LEVEL 4)

■ MYLES RECOMMENDS STUDYING AT NEW ZEALAND SKILLS AND EDUCATION SAYING IT IS SPECIALISED, HAS A GOOD ATMOSPHERE AND THE STAFF GO ABOVE AND BEYOND expanded the services to include motherboard repairs and upgrades for laptops, PCs, MacBooks, tablets and smartphones.”

Myles went to Papakura High School and although he enjoyed Science, Mathematics, Accounting, PE and English, he left at the end of Year 11 because he felt the lack of technology classes were limiting his growth. But he never let that deter him from pursuing his passion. Determined to succeed in the tech industry, he opted to study at private institutions and earned a computer technician certificate (Level 5) and help desk support certificate (Level 4) before his school friends even completed Year 13. And he has not stopped learning since.

For more information on studying technology through New Zealand Skills and Education, visit www.nzse.ac.nz