FIS is working with No Going Back (NGB), an innovative programme of training, support, employment, and housing funded and driven by 35 Livery Companies working collaboratively to reduce re-offending.

With Employment being such a major part of changing people’s lives when people leave prison, helping to dramatically reduce the likelihood of reoffending, between 23 January – 3 of February 2023, New Futures Network are hosting ‘Unlocking Construction’ employment events in prisons across England & Wales. and NGB are delighted to be a part of this in HMP Onley, Brixton, Wandsworth, and Thamesmead.

HMP Wandsworth and HMP Onley would like to invite Employers from the Construction Industry inside to be part of a special employment event on Wed 25 January (Wandsworth) and Wed 1 February (Onley) to support men into sustainable jobs in the construction sector upon release. This could be men with experience or those who are looking to pursue a new career in the sector.  As more than 80% of men released from HMP Onley return to London and the Home Counties, many fantastic potential candidates are keen to find out about jobs on release.

For those attending, the events will follow the format:

HMP Wandsworth – Wednesday 25th January at 1:30 pm (likely finish time 4pm)

An interactive session in the Bounce Back Dry Lining workshop for serving prisoners who are interested in working in Dry Lining – some are currently doing the dry lining training course, and others have completed it.

This event is to improve their awareness of, and access to information on further training and employment opportunities available by introducing them directly to specialists and employers in the sector.  It would give the men a chance to raise any questions to address challenges or concerns relating to employment or training within the sector. The prison will also pre-select a couple of men who are work-ready and approaching release for employers to speak with individually.

HMP Onley – Wednesday 1st February at 8:30 am (likely finish time is 4pm) POSTPONED DUE TO RAIL STRIKE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO BE KEPT UP-TO-DATE ON THE REVISED DATE, USE THE CONTACT LINKS BELOW

HMP Onley are hosting a Construction Fair on the day, with a cross-section of employers from the industry to support men into sustainable employment upon release. This could be men with experience or those who are new and looking to pursue a career in construction.

They are running a morning and afternoon session to allow more prisoners to take part and fit around the prison regime. More than 80% of men released from HMP Onley return to London and the Home Counties, there are many fantastic potential candidates who are keen to find out about jobs on release.  For employers attending, there would also be an opportunity to have a prison tour to visit the Industry Workshops and recently launched Employment Hub.  Training programmes running in this facility include Dry Lining, Carpentry and Joinery and Flooring.

NGB are also happy to facilitate visits in other prisons.

If you are interested in attendng one of these prison visits or finding out more about opportunities to engage in a programme in your local area (or arranging a seperate arrangement for these two facilities), please email jokeane@bouncebackproject.com asap (copy beenanana@thefis.org) or call the FIS on 0121 707 0077.