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Prisoners to boost Christchurch rebuild

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Prisoners to boost Christchurch rebuild

3News NZ

Priority will be given to prisoners who want to stay in Christchurch

Priority will be given to prisoners who want to stay in Christchurch

By 3news.co.nz staff

Corrections Minister Judith Collins has officially opened a new trade training complex at Christchurch Men's Prison to beef up the city's rebuilding efforts.

Around 130 extra prisoners will be trained each year in plumbing, roofing and drainlaying, painting and decorating, and automotive engineering.

Priority will be given to prisoners who want to stay in Christchurch and help with the city's rebuild.

“The training is completely geared towards supporting the Christchurch rebuild in the coming years," says Ms Collins.

“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.”

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The six 17-week courses and three seven-week courses will be run by tutors from the Christchurch Polytehnic, and be "exactly the same" in their content.

On completion of the course, prisoners will have a Level 2 National Certificate in their chosen trade.

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Comments

22/11/2011 5:05:03 p.m.

Vaine wrote:

It is our duty to support inmates, to became good citzens, afterall they are human beings just like you and me.Good on you Minister for giving inmates the chance, to prove themselves. Akamaroiroi ite pakari mou.

17/11/2011 8:35:08 p.m.

johnmillan wrote:

This is another diversion made by the petrol head minister,to help Bennett too show that the unemployment numbers have come down.What a joke.And how many inmates will fled from the centre,or even still off the building sites.They are in there for a reason,and many tradesmen are out of work also for as reason,so why in hell train inmates to do a job that is done by a trades person.Not unless all of Christchurch is going to be rebuilt from shipping containers,that would suit those who should be locked up in them,as petrol head was turning them into prison cells.

16/11/2011 1:43:51 p.m.

jan.. wrote:

Thinking about the inmates but what about the unemployments and the school leavers?.. maybe they can make babies and become solo parents and drink alcohol or smoke Knonics while a prisoner has the first choice, Ra rara..

16/11/2011 9:16:38 a.m.

C. A. Monteath-Carr wrote:

This is a fantastic initiative capable of real, positive results for people who desperately need some support to re-join society. But that's not going to stop me from thinking, satirically, "Great, just what we need- more dodgy builders and tradesmen." :-)

15/11/2011 5:46:31 p.m.

key wrote:

Yes, awesome.Educate prisoners so they are able to work and have a trade.Unemployment and crime are partners.Should have been done years ago.Look at dr.Greg Newbold who became a psychologist whilst at Her Majesty's pleasure.

15/11/2011 1:38:06 p.m.

Caroline wrote:

This is great. About time. Lets hope it happens in all prisons. It would certainly change a few people if they have a trade behind them. I know its only Level 2 but at least it is a start.