A prisoner has been awarded a Level 3 Certificate in Sheet Fed Offset Printing.
Logan* has been working toward the qualification for more then four years. He is set to appear before the Parole Board toward the end of this year and he hopes to show that he has made the most of his time in prison.
“Along with working in the Print Shop I have completed the Medium Intensity Rehabilitation Programme, gained a certificate in Environment and Sustainability Studies and I want to keep studying toward a Bachelor of Environmental Science,” he says.
Logan runs two colour offset presses full time. He enjoys the work, especially the digital side of the trade that the print shop is moving towards and the binding work.
The Level 3 Certificate he has just received involved 14 papers in printing theory, or text book work, and learning the practical side of offset printing. “The qualification is valuable in the industry,” says Manufacturing Activity Manager Steve Luey.
This is the recognised National Certificate in the industry and it is attractive to potential employers. It is a stepping stone to higher qualifications in the industry and we know of at least three prisoners who have gone into jobs in the industry following training in the Print Shop.
“Through the Prisoner Employment Strategy our staff aim to continue training and educating prisoners. The best outcome for everyone is prisoners getting sustainable work in the industry on their release, making them less likely to re-offend.”
*Logan’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.
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ISSN 1174-2909