Whilst in HMP Thorncross Matty wanted to make sure that on release he would be able to start a fresh and find himself a good job as he didn’t want to get into trouble again and end up back in prison.
Matty heard about the scaffolding training course via the employment hub & Made Inside Britain at HMP Thorncross.
The scaffolding course is delivered through Procure Plus training provider partner Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd and funded via the CITB OSE funding. (On Site Experience fund – Cheshire Hub) “I was interviewed to get on the course by Made Inside Britain and then completed a weeklong scaffolding training course at a workshop at Thorncross. This included a level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction environment qualification, COTS course, alongside some practical training such as working from drawings and erecting & dismantling some scaffolding towers. I even got trained in servicing fixtures and fittings.
I was a bit unsure about what to expect with the training as I have ADHD and I’m not a huge fan of theory and classroom work however, the training & Trainer was excellent. I really enjoyed the practical training and the way the Trainer kept the instructions simple. After I completed the training, I received a trainee scaffolder card and offered a work placement with Allied Access.
After I completed the training, I received a trainee scaffolder card and offered a work placement with Allied Access. After a successful work trial, I was given the opportunity to work on the brand-new Co-op arena in Manchester. I work with a really good bunch of lads who have been great with me since I started.
The job is exactly what I was looking for. I was released in October 2022 and started in November. I like routine and with this job I have set hours Monday – Friday and a regular income. I’m constantly learning new skills that the training course set up me for and I have been getting overtime at weekends.
This has helped me with my budgeting, support my family and without the job I genuinely believe I would have got back in with the wrong crowd and ended up back inside prison. This opportunity and the support I have been given has taken me down the right path and I’m so glad I started the training because where I am now.
The next step for me is to look at attending the scaffolding Part 1 course which I will be getting booked onto soon. This will help me work towards becoming fully qualified and towards a career in scaffolding
“For a long time, Allied Access have always been looking for a way to recruit new people into the scaffolding sector. There is a huge skill shortage at the moment so to work alongside Procure Plus and Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training who are delivering pre-employment scaffolding training courses at HMP Thorncross for people due for release or on licence it is a win, win situation all round.
All trainees come out with a Trainee Scaffolder card and are site ready, so this has been a great way to recruit across the North West where we have live sites. This is also a different way to access an untapped labour market which will only help us as an employer, the new employees we recruit and the construction sector over all with skilled employees.
We have recruited several Trainee Scaffolders from the scaffolding pre-recruitment course and will certainly keep using this model moving forward as all have been hard working, with great attitude and work ethics.”
Andy Gaynor – Group General Manager at Allied Access
Allied Scaffolding has been an excellent ambassador for this project, from those working in the yard, onsite, and to the office staff, all have been outstanding and very supportive of the lads and girls who have been given a great opportunity in our industry.
I knew Matty would be ideal once he got through the emotions of returning to society, and it was great when he contacted Fulcrum to inform us, he was ready for work. Matty has really turned his life around and it is great to see him progressing in the industry and Allied have supported him in every step of this.
David Abraham – Managing Director, Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd
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