IT Refurbishment Technician (Voluntry)

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Volunteering with Community Computers is a practical, supportive way to gain experience, build confidence and contribute to a project that helps people access affordable technology. We are part of Renewal North West, a registered charity, and our work focuses on refurbishing donated IT equipment, reducing electronic waste and making good-quality devices available to people and organisations that may otherwise struggle to access them.

You do not need formal qualifications or previous IT experience to volunteer with us. We welcome people with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, from complete beginners through to people studying IT or already experienced with computers. Training is provided, and volunteers can learn at their own pace. Typical activities may include cleaning and grading equipment, testing laptops and desktops, installing Windows, replacing simple components, preparing devices for reuse, sorting stock and learning about reuse and recycling.

Role

**Community Computers – part of Renewal North West**

Community Computers is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our refurbishment team and help us give donated IT equipment a second life.

You do not need any qualifications, previous IT experience or technical knowledge to volunteer with us. We welcome people from all educational backgrounds and levels of ability. Whether you are completely new to computers, have an interest in technology, are studying IT, or already have some practical experience, we will support you at a level that is comfortable for you.

What matters most to us is that you have a positive attitude, are willing to learn and are happy to work as part of a team.

## What you could be doing

Depending on your experience, interests and confidence, you may help with tasks such as:

* Checking and grading donated laptops, desktops, monitors and other IT equipment
* Cleaning and preparing equipment for refurbishment
* Installing Windows and other software
* Carrying out basic hardware checks
* Testing components such as memory, storage drives, batteries and chargers
* Learning how to identify common computer faults
* Replacing simple components such as RAM, SSDs and hard drives
* Preparing refurbished computers for reuse
* Sorting and organising IT equipment and components
* Recording information about equipment using our internal systems
* Helping keep the refurbishment area organised and safe
* Learning about secure data destruction and responsible IT recycling

You will not be expected to know how to do these things when you start. Training and guidance will be provided, and tasks can be introduced gradually as your confidence and skills develop.

## Who we are looking for

There are no formal educational or technical requirements for this role.

We are simply looking for people who:

* Have a positive and respectful attitude
* Are willing to learn new things
* Can follow basic instructions
* Are happy to ask questions when unsure
* Can work safely and responsibly
* Enjoy being part of a team
* Are willing to treat donated equipment with care

We understand that people learn in different ways, and much of the training within Community Computers is practical and hands-on.

## What you can gain

Volunteering with Community Computers can give you the opportunity to:

* Develop practical IT and computer refurbishment skills
* Gain experience working with real business-grade IT equipment
* Build confidence in a professional working environment
* Learn about computer hardware and software
* Develop teamwork, communication and workplace skills
* Gain useful experience for your CV
* Explore whether a career in IT or technology might be right for you
* Progress onto more technical tasks as your skills develop

There is no pressure to become an IT expert. Some volunteers may want to develop advanced technical skills, while others may prefer straightforward refurbishment, testing or preparation work. Both are equally valuable to us.

When:

Where:

SK3

Closing date for applications:

04 September 2026

Who to contact:

Chris Bennett

Community Computers

Organisation description:

Community Computers is a social enterprise and digital inclusion project that helps people access affordable, reliable technology while reducing the amount of IT equipment going to waste. We collect donated laptops, desktops and other devices from businesses and organisations, securely erase any data, professionally refurbish and test the equipment, and then make it available to people who may otherwise struggle to afford the technology they need. Through our low-cost and free device schemes, we support individuals, families and community organisations, helping people stay connected, access education and training, search for work, manage essential services and take part in an increasingly digital world. Community Computers is part of **Renewal North West**, a registered charity working to improve lives and strengthen communities across Greater Manchester. Being part of Renewal North West means our work goes beyond simply refurbishing computers; it forms part of a wider commitment to reducing poverty, supporting people in need, creating opportunities and giving unwanted items a useful second life. By combining digital inclusion with responsible IT reuse and recycling, Community Computers helps ensure that good-quality technology reaches the people and communities where it can make the greatest difference.

Organisation type:

Registered Charity

Company location:

61-63 Shaw Heath, Stockport , SK3 8BH

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