Caroline Graham on a Hendon-based charity tackling barriers to employment
2econd Chance co-founder Nigel Canin (blue shirt, glasses) presenting certificates to the graduates at Wednesday’s celebration – (Credit – 2econd Chance)
Five graduates, all of whom face barriers to employment due to neurodivergence or mental health conditions, were celebrated last week for completing an accredited training course in refurbishing unwanted computers.
The group completed the Tech 10 programme, a British Computer Society-accredited course delivered by 2econd Chance, a charity in Hendon, north London, that trains and creates employment pathways for people who may struggle with traditional routes into the workplace.
The charity celebrated its first cohort of graduates on Wednesday 14th May with a special ceremony attended by their families plus supporters, staff and representatives from partners Barnet Council and Camden Council.
The charity collects unwanted laptops and devices from businesses and organisations, which are then refurbished by trainees and either redistributed to people in need of access to digital technology or sold to fund more trainee places.
“This event is about more than just achieving a certificate,” said Nigel Canin, Co-founder of 2econd Chance.
“Many of the people who come to us are neurodivergent or facing other barriers to mainstream employment. When they come to us, they gain real-world work experience and accredited technical skills through hands-on reconditioning and repair work.
“But 2econd Chance is not just about refurbishing computers. It’s more than that. We want to give people and their potential a go. We’re not just giving computers a second chance — we’re giving people a second chance at getting into work.”
The course teaches practical skills required for entry-level IT roles alongside the development of softer skills needed for success in the workplace and offers confidence-building in a supportive, inclusive environment.
One of the graduates, Eliot, 33, said: “Coming to 2econd Chance and the workshop gets me out of the house and gives me a routine. Doing the work experience and the course has helped build my confidence and my tolerance for being with others. Everyone here has been so welcoming and supportive.”
A second cohort will begin the course in June.
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