Students help refurb computers for those in need

IT students at South Essex College have been gaining valuable experience working with a charity to supply those in need with computer equipment.

The college is working in partnership with Every Child Online, a local charity set up in 2020, which refurbishes ‘pre-loved’ laptops and IT equipment and distributes them to those without online learning facilities.

College students are undertaking the work experience element of their course with the charity to support the refurbishment of computers as well as marketing activities.

This allows them to gain real life, hands on experience, and put what they have learnt in the classroom into practice, while building their confidence in the workplace ready for when they leave college and enter the world of work.

The charity recently donated 60 laptops to Woodlands School in Basildon which will allocate them to students who need them. The charity has been working with various education providers and charitable organisations around Essex and has to date donated more than £2million of IT equipment.

Carly Alavoine, Apprenticeship Work Experience Team Leader at South Essex College, said: "Work experience opportunities are a vital part of our students' study programmes to ensure they are well equipped and ready for their future careers. 

"This opportunity with Every Child Online is particularly exciting as not only are our students gaining valuable industry experience, they are also part of a collaborative project which brings a number of organisations together to benefit the wider local community.”

Mike Tarbard, co-founder of Every Child Online, said: “Students from South Essex College play a fundamental part in the success of Every Child Online. Without their support and dedication, the charity would not be able to donate as many refurbished computers to schools in need as we do.  

“We value each student who has chosen us for their work placement. We aim to provide them with valuable IT and work-life skills and build their confidence in the workplace.”

To find out more about courses at the college visit www.southessex.ac.uk

To find out more about Every Child Online, visit www.everychildonline.co.uk