RemakerSpace empowers community with electronic repair workshops

RemakerSpace, an innovative facility dedicated to the circular economy at Cardiff University, has recently unveiled new equipment allowing community members to repair electronics.

With funding from Welsh Government's SMART Capital Equipment Fund, the space has invested in a range of equipment and resources, creating a dedicated space for electrical and electronic repair. This expansion allows RemakerSpace to offer workshops that develop practical repair skills.

These workshops, led by Steve Lloyd, a retired IT Technical Programme Manager at Cardiff University, offer participants hands-on training with essential repair tools, such as soldering rework stations and testing tools.

Steve said: "Attendees not only learn practical repair techniques but also engage in discussions about general electronic diagnostics and safety considerations. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a cohort of eager learners completing multiple workshops. Whether it’s fixing a broken appliance, extending the life of garments through industrial sewing machines, or visualising repair operations using virtual reality systems, RemakerSpace is empowering individuals to contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

The current world is fast becoming a ‘throwaway economy’ resulting in an ever-increasing mountain of e-waste.  How we can continue to live like this, and the subsequent impact on our world is beyond imaginable – and something which should concern each and every one of us.

Retirement has given me time to become involved with the RemakerSpace training sessions and share my knowledge and expertise, whilst at the same time, encourage others, that rather than buying more, we could share and repair what we already have.  I demonstrate how many of the electronic/electrical devices we currently throw away, could possibly be fixed by following a set diagnostic procedure, along with some online research.

All of which results, albeit in a very small way, of us all ‘doing our bit’ to reduce the e-waste mountain.

Repair plays a pivotal role in the circular economy. RemakerSpace’s workshops highlight this connection, encouraging sustainable practices and resource conservation."

Workshop participant N. Blakeman, said: “Transistors, resistors, multimeters, soldering, the mind boggles. If like me these words don’t mean a lot to you, then you need to do this course. Why? Because literally within a few sessions I was having a go at replacing a broken iPad screen, and this is the heart of what the course is about. It builds the confidence for you to have a go at repairing something that might have previously been thrown out. Time well spent in my book.”

RemakerSpace is a £1 million facility based in sbarc|spark, Cardiff University’s Social Science Research Park. It’s funded by Welsh Government and Cardiff Business School.

If you’d like to learn more about how the Centre assists community groups, educational institutions, and businesses, please get in touch with Rebecca Travers, RemakerSpace Centre Manager.