10 April 2007
Northland prisoners are securing full-time jobs thanks to targeted training schemes delivered by the Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) and Northland polytech NorthTec.
Prisoners and ex-prisoners studying NZQA Unit Standards in building construction, horticulture and forestry are finding long-term work in areas that 18 months ago, the Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) scheme identified as having skilled labour shortages.
NRCF Site Operations Manager John Lee said CIE decided to focus its training efforts in these areas and prisoners are now reaping the rewards.
The unit standards include a mix of theory and practical work that can be built upon to achieve a National Certificate for those wanting to study further.
The 20-week elementary construction skills course has helped two ex-prisoners and a Release to Work prisoner find fulltime jobs with a local employer.
The horticulture course has helped four Release to Work prisoners find jobs and a supervised work party of up to 10 prisoners is currently working in Northland market gardens planting and harvesting corn, kumara and courgettes.
Three ex-prisoners are also working fulltime on the Northland forestry industry - jobs that NorthTec was instrumental in negotiating for the men once they’d completed the forestry course.
"Apart from teaching the men skills, the courses build their confidence and self-esteem which also plays a key role in their ability to find and keep jobs," Mr Lee said.
Corrections CIE Manager Brent Maughan said it’s important to note that the courses are creating job opportunities for people who are often very keen to improve their lives.
“With the support of NorthTec they study four hours a day, five days a week then have to meet stringent criteria to qualify for Release to Work status,” Mr Maughan said.
Release to Work is a key component of the Department’s Prisoner Employment Strategy, designed to increase opportunities for prisoners to obtain skills, qualifications and legitimate sustainable employment when released from prison.
As such, it forms an important part of the Government’s Effective Interventions drive to reduce re-offending.
ENDS
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