Workshops to prepare prisoners for Chch rebuild
A new trade training complex at Christchurch Men's Prison will prepare prisoners to help in the rebuilding of
Christchurch, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said today.
The three workshops will provide training in plumbing, roofing and drainlaying, painting and decorating, and automotive
engineering to around 130 extra prisoners annually.
Ms Collins, who officially opened the workshops this morning, says prisoners will be prioritised for training based on
their upcoming release date and their willingness to help in Christchurch.
"The prisoners will have had to complete any recommended rehabilitation programmes alongside their trade training and
achieved a level of literacy and numeracy," Ms Collins said.
"The training is completely geared towards supporting the Christchurch rebuild in the coming years.
"Getting released prisoners into stable jobs has been proven to reduce re-offending, and in Canterbury there will be
jobs for these men to walk into.
"It is a unique opportunity to help these men turn their lives around while giving something back to the community. It's
a win-win situation for everyone."
The six 17-week and three seven-week courses, each of which cater for 16 prisoners, will be run by tutors from the
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.
The training delivered will be exactly the same as that delivered to students at the polytechnic campus.
Prisoners successfully completing the courses will leave prison with a Level 2 National Certificate in their selected
trade. Some will also have the opportunity to gain Level 3 and 4 unit standards, contributing towards an apprenticeship.
Graduates from the courses who are nearing release and meet the eligibility criteria may also go on the Release to Work
programme and apply for jobs prior to their release.