Building Digital Repair Skills and Confidence – PURE Project

At Midland Mencap, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop skills, gain confidence, and work towards greater independence.

That’s why our PURE service, in partnership with ReCognition Circular CIC, is offering a hands-on repair course designed to give individuals with learning disabilities and autism a unique learning experience.

Learning Through Practical Experience

Many traditional training courses rely on reading and writing, which can be a barrier for some people. The Professional Recognition Course removes these barriers by focusing on practical skills.

Over seven weeks, participants learn how to repair laptops and computer base units, working in a structured environment that builds both technical expertise and self-confidence.

Recently, our learners have been putting their new skills to the test. They started by assessing donated laptops, determining whether they could be repaired. They cleaned out dust and debris, replaced thermal paste, and identified the parts needed for upgrades.

This process teaches them about troubleshooting, problem-solving, and attention to detail and essential skills that can help them progress towards employment and independence.

Why This Matters

Each year, millions of electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, are discarded in the UK. Many of these items still have life left in them, and with the right repairs, they can be given a second chance. Through this course, participants not only learn valuable repair skills but also contribute to a more sustainable way of thinking about technology.

As part of their training, students have also taken on the challenge of repairing mobile phones. This requires even more precision, working with tiny screws and delicate connectors.

It’s a hands-on way to learn, and it highlights just how many devices could be saved from ending up in landfill with a little care and expertise.

How You Can Help

For this programme to continue, ReCognition Circular CIC need more laptops and mobile phones for students like our  to work on.

If your business is upgrading its technology, consider donating your old devices to ReCognition Circular CIC. They are ISO27001 and ISO14001 certified, meaning they can securely handle data destruction while ensuring these devices are put to good use.

Together, we can support individuals to gain new skills, build confidence, and create a more sustainable future.

Want to join in future PURE training courses?

Contact Midland Mencaps PURE team on:

Email: pure@midlandmencap.org.uk

Call: 0121 442 2944