Two-year blended program for UNIPOD techs, FabLab assistants & makers to gain maintenance & repair skills in digital fabrication tools with just 2 hrs/week.
1. Background & Role • Be currently engaged as a UNIPOD technician, FabLab assistant, or maker community member. • Demonstrate an active role in supporting or using digital fabrication tools (e.g., CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics equipment). 2. Commitment & Availability • Be able to dedicate a minimum of 2 hours per week for program activities over the two-year duration. • Commit to completing both the remote sessions and hands-on practice at the assigned UNIPOD. • Demonstrate willingness to apply acquired skills in day-to-day maintenance and repair tasks. 3. Skills & Knowledge (Preferred but not mandatory) • Basic technical background in electronics, mechanics, or digital fabrication processes. • Familiarity with workshop safety and tool usage. • Prior experience with troubleshooting or assisting in equipment operation will be an added advantage. 4. Motivation & Learning Attitude • Show strong interest and motivation to build technical expertise in equipment maintenance and repair. • Be ready to actively participate in collaborative learning, peer knowledge-sharing, and practical exercises. 5. Community Engagement • Be committed to contributing back to the local UNIPOD or FabLab community by applying newly gained skills. • Express willingness to support fellow makers, students, and innovation hub users in sustaining tool availability and reliability.
1. Technical Expertise • Acquire hands-on skills to maintain and repair CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics equipment, and other digital fabrication tools. • Develop practical knowledge in preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment calibration, ensuring smooth operations in your lab. 2. Career Advancement • Strengthen your profile as a specialized technician within the maker ecosystem. • Build capabilities that are highly valued by FabLabs, UNIPODs, schools, innovation hubs, and industry partners. • Open up new opportunities for employment, consultancy, or entrepreneurship in equipment servicing. 3. Certification & Recognition • Receive an official certificate of completion recognizing your maintenance and repair skills. • Gain credibility as a certified resource person within your community and the broader digital fabrication network. 4. Community Impact • Contribute to the sustainability of UNIPODs and FabLabs by reducing equipment downtime. • Support innovation hub users, students, and entrepreneurs by ensuring tools are always available for projects and prototyping. • Become a key player in strengthening the local maker ecosystem. 5. Flexible Learning Model • Enjoy a low-time commitment of just 2 hours per week, making it easy to balance with work, school, or other responsibilities. • Benefit from a blended learning approach that combines online modules with hands-on practice at your local UNIPOD. 6. Networking & Peer Learning • Connect with technicians, assistants, and makers from multiple UNIPODs across the country. • Engage in peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, learning from real-life challenges and solutions in different labs. • Build a network of skilled individuals who can collaborate on repairs, innovations, and new projects.