A pioneering training programme is set to launch at HMP Styal, marking the first-ever construction workshop within the women’s prison estate.
Having built a strong partnership with HMP Styal over the last two years whilst running shorter ‘introduction to construction’ courses, Procure Plus has supported the prison to be able to include construction on the curriculum.
The market-leading not-for-profit procurement company will offer a ten-week property maintenance bootcamp. The training will begin with a one-week Health and Safety course and Construction Skills Certification Scheme training starting on November 25.
A ‘Meet the Employer’ event will then take place on December 9, followed by nine weeks of Property Maintenance practical training starting on January 6.
During this time, participants will gain hands-on experience in real construction tasks. The focus is on actively working with tools and materials, allowing them to apply what they learn in a real-world setting, rather than just covering theory.
Lauren Nolan, prison employment lead at HMP Styal, said: “This will be the first-ever construction workshop within the female estate, which is a huge accomplishment for us as a prison and we are very grateful to Procure Plus for supporting us in implementing this.
“Female prisons typically deliver qualifications such as hair and beauty, catering or hospitality; so, to have the opportunity to deliver qualifications and avenues into employment that move away from the more gender stereotypical opportunities and diversify our offer for the women in our custody is incredibly exciting; both for the prison and for the women themselves.
“This is only possible as a result of collaborative working over the previous two years, including successful ‘Have a Go days’, Construction sector led jobs fairs, CSCS courses, and employment outcomes on both temporary license and release. The ongoing support and understanding of the needs of women leaving custody has been outstanding and has massively contributed to our successful outcomes. I personally look forward to seeing the increase in success stories following on from the upcoming bootcamps and look forward to developing this partnership even further.”
Procure Plus has secured funding from City & Guilds’ Training division to fund the bootcamp training course, while its Foundation division provided the setup funds for the workshop.
Procure Plus sourced joinery tools from its supplier Jewsons, and its ‘Women and Manual Trades’ programme funded the rest of the required equipment.
Procure Plus has brought together a strong partnership of organisations to deliver this programme, with Rosscom Training delivering the construction course, B4Box fitting the prison’s workshop, HMP Styal finding candidates for the courses, and a variety of Pocure Plus’ construction partners engaging to provide employment opportunities for the women including pathways into jobs for construction project managers.
Faiza Khan MBE, executive director, Corporate Affairs & Foundation, City & Guilds said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting this programme, both through our Training division and through our Foundation. As we move into new training sectors, we aim to increase the range and availability of job-relevant skills for female learners within prisons, helping them to secure sustainable work after release.”
Mike Brogan, chief executive at Procure Plus, said: “This initiative is about reaching those furthest from the labour market and offering a real chance for change. With women making up only a small fraction of the construction workforce, it’s crucial that we create opportunities like this to challenge industry norms.
“The shorter courses have already led to great successes with former prisoners securing full-time roles on release, and also with current prisoners securing positions whilst working on ROTL (release on temporary licence).
“We hope this longer course will ensure the women develop valuable, employable skills whilst building their confidence to work within the construction industry either on ROTL or a job on release.”
In addition to this scheme, over the last five years, Procure Plus has helped more than 2,500 people into work.
