Aiming to tackle e-waste and gender gap in green skills

Learn how to fix small household electrical items in a supportive environment
March 26, 2026
A local charity is launching its first ever women-only electrical repair workshop, aiming to give local women practical technical skills while helping to reduce the growing problem of e-waste.
Action West London (AWL) will run the workshop on Thursday 23 April in Acton as part of its wider “Repair, Learn, and Certify” project. The initiative is designed to support women from across west London to learn how to fix small household electrical items in a supportive, hands-on environment.
The charity says the session is intended to break down barriers in a sector that has historically been male-dominated, and to give women the confidence to explore technical and repair-based work. Participants will be guided by expert fixers and taught how to diagnose and repair common faults in items such as kettles, lamps and small electronics.
Craig Winters, Operations Manager at Action West London, said the workshop is about far more than learning to fix appliances.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of gender, feels empowered to take part in the green economy,” he said. “This workshop isn’t just about fixing a toaster; it’s about women building their confidence and opening doors for further education and employment in the repair sector.”
The workshop forms part of a growing movement to equip residents with “green skills” that support sustainability and reduce waste. E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the UK, and AWL says community-based repair skills can play a vital role in reducing the number of electrical items sent to landfill.
Participants will begin by observing expert repairs before carrying out their own under supervision. After the session, attendees will have the opportunity to work towards a Level 1 qualification in repair and PAT testing, a recognised certification that can strengthen job applications. Many of the items repaired during the workshops are donated to local charities, meaning the skills learned have a direct benefit for the wider community.
The workshop is open to women living in Ealing, Hounslow, Brent, Harrow, Richmond and Hillingdon. It is free for those who are unemployed or not currently in education or training, and places are limited to 12 to ensure personalised instruction.
Action West London, which has supported residents across the region for more than 20 years, says the initiative reflects its mission to improve access to employment, education and enterprise.
Women interested in taking part can register here.
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