T-Level Students Flourish at ReCognition Circular
This article builds upon our previous piece highlighting the successful collaboration between ReCognition Circular and University College Birmingham in delivering a digital repair workshop for T-Level students. Today, we delve deeper into the experience by sharing feedback from Employment Tutor, Tom Gidlow, and the students themselves.
Tom Gidlow, a staff member passionate about sustainability, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme. He acknowledges the challenge of finding placements that offer valuable experiences in sustainability. However, he confidently states that the time spent at ReCognition Circular has been immensely beneficial for the students.
“As the climate and environment worsen,” Gidlow emphasises, “it’s crucial for society and individuals to possess green skills for resilience and waste reduction. Curricular limitations often restrict this learning in education. This placement empowers us to equip students with the skills they need for the future.”
High-Demand Skills for a Sustainable Future
The programme goes beyond environmental benefits. It addresses the growing need for technological knowledge in troubleshooting and repair. “Our society faces an abundance of technology and a dearth of knowledge on how to fix and manage it,” Gidlow observes.
He’s impressed by the students’ rapid progress. “In a short time, they’ve become confident in repairing and restoring electronics. Several are now considering careers in this expanding field. Others see these skills as a way to supplement their income, extend the lifespan of their personal devices, and contribute to sustainable change through volunteer repair initiatives.”
A Transformation in Mindset
Beyond technical skills, Gidlow witnessed a significant shift in the students’ mindsets. “It was fascinating to see their perspectives change within hours,” he shares. “Their perception of old or broken tech flipped. What was once destined for landfill became a sustainability concern. A burden transformed into a restoration opportunity. Dormant gadgets became potential green business ventures. These are changes that will stay with them for life.”
Student Feedback: Hands-on Learning for a Sustainable Future
The feedback from the students themselves is overwhelmingly positive. A staggering 80% rated the workshop as outstanding, and a remarkable 100% would recommend it to their friends. The participants’ enthusiasm is evident in their plans to leverage their newfound skills:
- One student is eyeing a future in electronics repair, aiming to “take on damaged items and repair them for a profit.”
- Another is eager to “diagnose and/or fix older unused or broken devices,” breathing new life into forgotten technology.
- Extending the lifespan of electronics is a common theme. Several students plan to use their skills for personal gain, “repairing old devices” and “fixing old unused and/or broken devices.”
- A student sees the bigger picture, highlighting the potential to “repurpose old laptops,” a move that directly combats e-waste.
These responses highlight the students’ enthusiasm for using their skills to not only benefit themselves financially but also contribute to a more sustainable future by extending the life of electronics and reducing e-waste.
Together, we can empower young people, promote sustainability, and tell compelling stories about positive community impact. Contact us today at info@recognition-circular.org to learn more.
