Youths serving sentences at Christchurch Men's Prison have completed a three-week introductory catering course thirsty for more.
Six prisoners aged 17 to 19 years, recently completed a pilot course that earnt them unit standards and certificates of achievement across a range of areas including food safety, health and safety, baking, boiling and roasting.
Acting Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) South Island Catering Manager Marty Rickard says the course has been a huge success for several reasons.
"These young men have actively engaged in learning new skills, they are proud of their achievements and they can't wait to cook for their families," Marty says.
"One prisoner, who previously worked in the central kitchen, has now completed the National Certificate in Level 2 Cookery, giving him a good qualification for the future."
When the course ended, the youths hosted a formal luncheon for eight guests including Selwyn District Mayor Kelvin Coe, CIE National Operations Manager Robin Benefield, Prison Services Southern Regional Operations Manager Paul Rushton and Regional Advisor Maori Service Development Barry Baker.
Robin says all the guests were impressed by the high standard of service, and food, which was "as delicious and as good as anything you'd be served in a top restaurant."
Marty says CIE instructors Robert Bowers and Lynn Mortlock need to be congratulated for the way they inspired the youths to achieve such good results.
"It's been an interesting learning curve for Robert and Lynn. Trying to motivate young men, and keeping them focused on learning a trade, is a challenging task," says Marty.
"Research indicates that prisoners who find employment after their release are less likely to re-offend so we need to encourage youths to look at creating a life for themselves outside of crime.
"Learning a trade not only provides them with employable skills but it gives them a sense of pride knowing that they have options. We would love to see some or all of these prisoners forging careers in the catering industry."
Marty says another catering course will be offered at Christchurch Men's Prison in the near future and following that, he hopes to see similar courses introduced in all four youth units nationwide.
The prisoners were so enthusiastic about their catering experience they performed a rap song (written by Robert Bowers) about it, which has encouraged others in the youth unit to sign up.
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453