Top marks for inmates

Over the last 12 months New Zealand prison inmates have honed their vocational skills, gaining over 2,000 unit standards on the National Qualifications Framework. Tim Kendall, Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) Human Resources Manager, says the unit standards have been gained while working in CIE industries.

"This is a 60 percent increase on the number of unit standards gained by inmates in the 2001/02 year. Over 40 percent of inmates who participate in employment gain an externally recognised qualification," says Mr Kendall.

Gaining unit standards whilst working in Corrections Inmate Employment.

Inmates have gained experience and National Certificates on the Framework in areas including forklift driving, welding, health and safety, tailoring, food handling and horticulture.

"There is a real focus on developing entry-level skills in trades and industries where there is a demand for skilled workers.

"Those who show an aptitude in a particular area are encouraged to take their training further. There are many examples of inmates working right up to level 3 qualifications in various fields," says Mr Kendall.

Around 60 percent of inmates say a government benefit was their primary source of income prior to going to prison. Many have not had legitimate employment before, so as well as teaching industry-specific skills, there is also an emphasis on teaching inmates basic work ethics.

Time management, motivation, ability to listen and follow instructions, interaction with others and adherence to health and safety are all monitored by CIE's instructors while on the job.

Mr Kendall says that the contribution of CIE instructors must be recognised in achieving this 2,000 unit standard milestone.

"Over 40 percent of inmates who participate in employment gain an externally recognised qualification"

"The instructors encourage and mentor inmates towards achievement. Many of them are qualified to assess NZQA unit standards.

"Instructors also help develop and maintain relationships with the many industry training organisations that we work with. This helps us ensure that our training is on a par with the private sector.

"Training inmates and giving them meaningful skills is a practical way that the Department of Corrections helps to break the offending cycle. Formal qualifications help them to get a job upon release, and those who have a job are less likely to re-offend," says Mr Kendall.