11 Jul 2023
‘Building Futures – On the Right Track’ the Transport for Wales (TfW) rehabilitation programme has been hailed a success after delivering full-time employment for men and women leaving the criminal justice system.
Launched in September 2021, the programme pilot initially recruited nine men from HMP Prescoed and provided them with opportunities to build their skill base and work on key infrastructure projects, while serving their custodial sentence. The programme later increased to 11 men.
Of the 11 recruits, TfW has supported eight individuals to remain out of the justice system. Six have now finished their sentences and have been offered full-time employment with TfW and their partners. With TfW's support, two have gone on to secure permanent roles in other locations.
The ‘Craidd Alliance’ is made up of TfW, Amey Infrastructure Wales, Alun Griffiths Contractors, Balfour Beatty Rail and Siemens Mobility and they are working with His Majesties Prison and Probation Service through the Pathways Programme to help provide rehabilitation programmes as they deliver rail transformation in Wales.
Following the success of the men’s Pathway Programme pilot, TfW expanded its Pathways to offer a women’s Pathway Programme, for women serving custodial and non-custodial sentences. This programme has a different gender informed approach to it, but ultimately has the same objective of reducing reoffending and changing an individual's outlook on life. TfW has supported two female prison leavers to gain permanent positions at TfW.
TfW is currently expanding its Pathways Programme and working with more under-represented groups to offer more pathways to employment.
Karl Gilmore, TfW Rail Infrastructure Director, said: "At TfW, we are closely aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015) and are fully committed to equality and diversity. Building the Pathway Programme was about creating a lasting legacy that helps to reduce reoffending in Wales and to assist communities to prosper. It’s great to see the success this first cohort has had, with six men transitioned into full-time employment with us. I’m hopeful that we can take learnings from the first cohort and apply to futures one, offering other offenders a brighter and more successful future.”
Ellen Somers, Pathways Employability Manager, said: “At TfW, across the Craidd and supply chain, we are committed to providing a supportive, transparent and safe working environment for all those on the programme. It’s wonderful to see the visible success stories from our initial pilot and watch the programme continue to grow. On a more personal note, it’s incredible to see individuals quite literally turn their lives around, with their confidence and skills growing day on day."
