2econd Chance is shortlisted for Tech for Good Award 2024

2econd Chance is a not-for-profit computer recycling company delivering IT Refurbishment training to adults not in employment, education or training and young aged 16-25 with an Education Health Care Plan. As an organisation we are committed to: –

• Reducing the amount of e-waste going to landfill. Currently the UK generates over 6 million tonnes a year with only 31% recycled.
• Bridging the digital divide. The 2019 Consumer Digital Index shows that 11.9 million people (22% of the population) do not have the digital skills needed for everyday life.
• Supporting the most vulnerable into employment. Data from April to June 2024 shows that the employment rate for people with disabilities is 53%.

We have created an innovative circular model which sees companies donating their unwanted devices to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability agendas. Every device donated to 2econd Chance is used to train individuals most likely to be unemployed with practical IT Refurbishment skills. All trainees are taught how to independently refurbish devices including how to wipe data, physically destroy hard drives, install windows, partition disks and replace RAM and hard drives. Completed devices are used to bridge the digital divide either being sold at affordable prices or 1 in 4 being donated back into the community through our network of partners.

Learn More about 2econd Chance here.

Training Pathways

To support the most vulnerable into employment we have developed two pathways: –

1. 12-week work experience programme teaching industry level skills in the refurbishment of desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

• 50-hour IT Refurbishment programme accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) developed in collaboration with employment and education specialists designed to teach entry level IT skills alongside soft skills required for the workplace.

How we use Tech for good?

Reducing e-waste – as the fastest growing waste stream in the UK our model sees devices, which otherwise would have been disposed of, being used to develop practical skills for individuals not in employment, education or training and being made available at low or no cost to people living in financial hardship.

Device Donation Scheme – to support the digitally excluded 2econd Chance takes refferals for free refurbished devices from community and voluntary sector organisations. With the level of interest in the scheme above our commitment to donate 1 in 4 devices, funding from Barnet Together and North London Waste Authority has enabled the scaling up of the scheme for 12 months. We are proud to have donated 311 devices back to those in need both within Barnet and Greater London. Conversations are in progress about how the scheme can both fulfil demand and be sustainable.

Training programme – the 2024 International Labour Organization states that worldwide there are 402 million people without a job but wanting to work. Both our work experience and BCS accredited programme are fully inclusive with barriers of language, requirement of previous knowledge and literacy levels removed. Thanks to our partnership with 2Simple all our course materials and related activities are available on Purple Mash meaning that they can be accessed onsite and in school or home, test learning with interactive creative activities whilst also giving the opportunity for differentiation for learners. Although there is a fee for involvement in our accredited programme there are opportunities for fully subsided places for individuals where cost is a barrier to participation.

Quotes

“A laptop will be extremely beneficial for me as it is essential for many key activities in today’s world. My primary need for the laptop is to search for employment and learning opportunities. It will allow me to efficiently search for courses, jobs, and complete applications, as most processes are now online. Without a laptop, I am at a disadvantage in accessing resources quickly. Additionally, it will provide opportunities for both professional and personal networking. I am currently studying Level 2 English and Maths, and the laptop will support my learning and enable me to participate in online courses to enhance my skills. I will also use it to update my CV and cover letter.” Cardinal Hume 

The reason I made the referral for him to receive a laptop was because he had recently been released from prison. He was not from this area and has no contacts or awareness of the area. He needed the laptop to improve his education and to further the entrepreneurial ideas he had. 

Since he has been provided with the laptop he has further developed his skill set and returned to employment. He is no longer a client at the food bank. The laptop enabled him to take the steps he needed to return back to work and rebuild his life. 

Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity that the laptop was able to give. Chipping Barnet Food Bank 

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the Tech for Good category as it recognises the important work we are doing. We very much rely on the donation of devices. If you are able to support please email info@2econdchance.co.uk.