Trojan Electronics’ James Rigg explains why the electronics industry needs to develop the necessary skills to make the vision of a circular economy a reality.
As the electronics industry makes strides towards a more circular economy, the demand for a skilled workforce equipped to handle this transformation is more critical than ever. A full transition is currently obstructed by a major skills gap and if more isn’t done to address this issue, global e-waste could meet its projections of increasing by as much as 32%, to 82 million tonnes, in 2030.
To address this growing concern, major improvements must be made to existing training initiatives, and new re-skilling programmes must be implemented – specifically aimed at transitioning those in declining and often resource-intensive sectors towards more sustainable industries and practises.
There is already enough demand for circular electronic solutions, now collaboration is needed from policymakers, businesses and consumers alike to simultaneously address the growing e-waste crisis and emerging skills gap in the UK.
The growing demand for an electronics circular economy
Recent research by Trojan Electronics has shed light on the growing consumer appetite for refurbished electronics. The report reveals that 82% of consumers think they have a role to play in electronic circularity and 62% of people would change their electrical item purchasing behaviours based on the environmental impact of electronics manufacturers.
These statistics underscore the urgent need to improve training for professionals working in the repair and refurbishment sector. Without substantial improvements to initiatives that develop the circularity workforce of tomorrow, we risk stifling the progress consumers have made to shift their behaviours and attitudes. This consumer awareness has created a prime opportunity for the industry to invest in programmes that improve the UK’s e-waste management and recycling initiatives.
Innovative training initiatives
To bridge the gap between demand and availability of electronics repairs and refurbishments, partnerships between public and private organisations are essential. These collaborations should focus on integrating circular economy principles into engineering and design curricula, ensuring that students learn to create products designed for longevity and recyclability. This should include modules on sustainable design, e-waste management, and the principles of a circular economy.
However, education should not be limited to new entrants in the field. Electronics and manufacturing companies should also launch internal training programmes to equip current and new employees with circular thinking across all departments. This approach will ensure that green principles are embedded throughout organisations.
In addition to the need to train people on circularity, there is a pressing need to train individuals in repairing products within households. By creating a new generation of local repairers, we can stimulate growth in self-employed local repair services and reduce reliance on national repair networks, which tend to be expensive and make it harder for people at home to access affordable repairs.
As the industry evolves, we anticipate a growing demand for new roles, such as circular economy strategists and materials scientists. These roles emphasise the need for adaptable professionals who can navigate the complex and rapidly developing industry.
Trojan Electronics’ previous report revealed that 71% of consumers would pay more for electronics from brands committed to sustainability, indicating a clear market demand for professionals skilled in sustainable practices. Whilst this added value to private sector organisations is clearly an incentive in itself, the government needs to develop actionable policies that empower both academic institutions and businesses to train the next generation of circularity specialists.
Environmental impact
According to Materials Focus, the UK throws away 103,000 tonnes of electricals to landfill per annum. By training a workforce skilled in repair, refurbishment and recycling, we can significantly reduce this alarming figure. Effective circular practices could potentially conserve our finite critical minerals, extend the lifespan of electronic products and drastically reduce the environmental impact of the electronics industry.
Beyond saving these minerals from leaking potentially toxic chemicals into the natural environment, it’s crucial to recognise that if the world is to transition to net zero, these minerals will be essential in both the rollout of green technologies and in electrifying the global energy system.
Socio-economic impact
In addition to the clear environmental impact of investing in circularity within the electronics industry, significant socio-economic gain can also be achieved. If enterprises were to provide training in electronics repair and refurbishment to communities – particularly in ex-industrial manufacturing hubs – there’s an opportunity to create a new, localised economic boom that revitalises areas suffering from the decline of traditional manufacturing and heavy industries.
The path to a circular electronic economy
The electronics industry stands at a crossroads. While the path to a circular economy is gaining clarity, it will require a concerted effort to develop the skills necessary and make this vision a reality. By investing in education, reskilling programmes, and community initiatives, the industry can create a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With consumer demand for sustainable electronics continuing to grow, those companies that lead in circular skills development will be best positioned to thrive in the emerging era of responsible production and consumption.
About the author
As the CEO of Trojan Electronics, James Rigg is at the forefront of driving transformative circular solutions within the electrical manufacturing and retail sector.
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