5 Nov 2010
“Corrections’ training partnership with the Forest Industries Training and Education Council (FITEC) has had encouraging results for prisoners working at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison’s joinery,” says National Prisoner Training Manger, Saen O’Brien.
“The skills taught on the course by Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) and FITEC will see the first prisoner complete their National Certificate in General Furniture Manufacture Level 2 at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison this week.”
“CIE and FITEC have had a long and beneficial relationship covering several industries, and this latest success is part of our ongoing drive to see more prisoners learn useful work skills whilst in prison.”
“The qualification is designed for those entering the industry either as an apprentice or a new employee, and targets prisoners who do not have any previous skills in this area.”
“The course introduces prisoners to furniture finishing, furniture making skills, and upholstery skills. This ensures that graduates who work in the furniture industry are familiar with the furniture operations they are working in and can perform work duties responsibly, safely and efficiently.”
“The CIE Instructors who work at the joinery are all trade qualified and the FITEC course has given them another way to actively manage prisoners’ sentences. It is an option to make a difference to the way prisoners view their post-release employment opportunities.”
“By introducing prisoners to these skills we give them options to start building pathways out of an offending lifestyle and help them address their employment options before they are released from prison,” says Mr O’Brien.
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