SINCE 2018, WasteCare has provided recycling and appliance reconditioning work through HM Prisons. We are pleased to announce the launch of a new scheme with Onley Prison Warwickshire. Despite delays due to the pandemic, this opportunity has enabled inmates to gain training and valuable work experience prior to their release.
Announcing an extension of this initiative, WasteCare is now offering 60 inmates the chance to join WasteCare’s workforce at one of its 17 recycling and service centres on their release. With guaranteed work for at least 6 months, they will continue to learn a range of practical skills from basic plumbing to electrical repairs – and simply holding down a 9-5 job. What’s more, WasteCare is currently applying to get this course accredited for NVQ status to ensure participants have a qualification to list on their CV.
This specially created role will be available to inmates who successfully complete their work experience prior to release and will see them repair and recondition domestic appliances which will later be sold into the charity and housing association sector.
Recent statistics show that only 17% of ex-offenders get a job within 12 months of release from prison and furthermore, those who do get a job are much less likely to re-offend. Yet, a separate study shows that 81% of the public think that businesses who employ ex-offenders are making a positive contribution to society. It therefore makes business and societal sense to try and stop those leaving prison from re-offending.
Peter Hunt, Chairman of WasteCare Group, comments on the launch: “The Onley Prison initiative presents a very tangible way of contributing to society as well as the environment. What’s more, it helps us plug the big skills shortage that we’re currently experiencing post-Brexit. Special mention must also go to James Sanderson, our ApplianceCare Commercial Manager and Sarah Wilton and Paul Smith at Onley Prison whose enthusiasm and humanity is so refreshing and a real motivation for why we, at WasteCare, want to do our bit to give ex-offenders a second chance.”
Wastecare has a proven track record in this area, having worked with a number of prisons in England including those located in Cambridgeshire and Manchester.
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