The Skills Centre and RIFT Social Enterprise have joined forces to deliver a new pilot scheme to encourage people with convictions into construction jobs
The new pilot scheme will deliver pre-employment construction training both in prison and in the community with the Probation Service to secure construction jobs.
RIFT Social Enterprise will source a pipeline of people with convictions who hope to enter the construction industry but need the training The Skills Centre can offer before being allowed to work on-site, including CSCS certification.
Self-employment courses will be offered as part of a training package
RIFT Social Enterprise will deliver bespoke self-employment courses as part of The Skills Centre’s Pre-employment Construction Training programme, a vital component of any training package for people who aim to work in the construction industry.
To meet construction targets, the sector must recruit 224,900 extra workers by 2027 to help plug the ongoing skills shortage in the construction industry. Through the new pilot scheme, the partnership will offer new opportunities for ex-offenders to secure construction jobs. According to research from the UK government, there is a reduction in re-offending rates for those entering stable employment.
Enabling people from all walks of life to work in construction
Jon Howlin, chief executive of The Skills Centre, said: “The construction sector has a huge skills shortage across all parts of the industry, but we aim to train people from all walks of life to learn the skills that will enable them to work in construction. Our doors are open to anyone, and we believe everyone deserves a chance to gain and stay in sustainable employment.
“Our partnership with RIFT Social Enterprise aligns perfectly with The Skills Centre’s missions to transform lives by providing local people access to local opportunities, whatever their background.”
The partnership will help to create sustainable employment for the construction industry
Andy Gullick, founder and CEO of RIFT Social Enterprise, added: “RIFT Social Enterprise has always believed in putting the participant at the heart of all that we do. We only collaborate with like-minded organisations who share our belief in everyone having the same opportunities to meaningful employment regardless of their circumstances or background.
“That’s why we are so excited to be partnering with The Skills Centre who, together with RIFT Social Enterprise, will create opportunities for sustainable employment within the construction industry.”
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