PRISON REHABILITATION WORKSHOP
Reintegrate. Re-educate. Rehabilitate.
In line with the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) rehabilitation focus, PCE, in collaboration with Serco, have introduced a mobile workshop initiative within ‘Workshop 5’ at HMP Fosse Way.
‘Workshop 5’ engages participating prisoners by offering training and job roles in manufacturing. Each participant receives clear job descriptions outlining their roles and responsibilities, similar to those they would encounter in the outside world.
By providing technical and transferable skills, this initiative aims to help prisoners prepare for their release, providing them with the confidence and potential career paths to successfully reintegrate into society.
Career Pathways
The construction industry is faced with a skills shortage. The Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast that by 2027, an additional 225,000 construction workers will be needed to meet construction demand.
At PCE, we are taking steps to help tackle the growing need for skills across construction.
The first stage of this rehabilitation initiative focuses on manufacturing. With PCE’s and Serco’s support, prisoners are manufacturing components that are now being used across both public and private sector construction. This includes manufacturing components to support the Government’s New Prison Programme (NPP).
Within this phase, prisoners will get the opportunity to develop the following skills:
• Learn all about offsite manufacturing
• Understand the principles of DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly)
• Develop knowledge on the latest manufacturing methodologies
• Learn the importance of and how to manage quality control
• Understand the benefits of hybrid manufacturing
• How to use technology within manufacturing
• Understanding the role of supply chain management
Roles across the manufacturing element include:
• Manufacturing Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Concrete Placement Operatives
• Steel Fixers
• Mould Preparation Operatives
Offsite manufactured components, similar to those produced throughout the initiative.
Beyond the workshop, PCE further supports prisoner rehabilitation through ROTL engagement. This sees selected prisoners join construction crews across the NPP, learning valuable and transferable skills whilst contributing to prison construction. Through the ROTL programme, prisoners will get the opportunity to develop the following skills:
• Develop installation, grouting, and finishing skill sets
• Understand how to work safely at all times
• Learning about modular construction and MMC (Modern Methods of Construction)
• Exploring how to build sustainably
• How to safely and properly use tools and equipment
• Teamworking, collaboration, and communication
• Understanding construction drawings
• Good workmanship and housekeeping
With the right support, development and engagement, PCE believe people can achieve incredible things, regardless of background, experience and expertise. All that is needed is an opportunity, and the willingness, hunger, and right behaviours to succeed.
Participants demonstrating the right behaviors and skills will receive a verified PCE certificate, endorsing their capabilities and aiding in securing employment at PCE or within the industry upon release.
Prisoner manufactured components
What Next?
The upskilling, re-educating, and rehabilitating programme at Fosse Way has the potential to be expanded throughout the UK Prison Estate.
This not only addresses the construction skills gap, but also plays a vital role in reducing reoffending rates by supporting soon-to-bereleased prisoners with new skills, opportunities, and career pathways. PCE has already employed several participants from this programme.
To date, PCE has directly employed ex-offenders either through ROTL engagement, or via Workshop 5. This has been a positive step both for PCE and for those who have since been employed, and showcases the impact this programme can have.
Jason, ex-offender initially engaged through ROTL, now a Diamond Driller at PCE:
“I first came into contact with PCE when I was in an open prison for an interview for a construction job. My experience has been really good since I’ve been released, they gave me full time employment and helped me loads. They have put me through my NVQ and 3 other courses. I would like to think in the future I can become a supervisor or foreman.”
Joe, ex-offender initially engaged through Workshop 5, now a Trainee Slinger at PCE:
“PCE has given me a job opportunity as a trainee slinger, with the chance to progress and further my skill set. It’s great for my aspirations as PCE want to see you do well and progress as much as you can, paying for all of your tickets and training. It’s a company where you feel valued and respected”
Manufacturing workshop during production
Inside Out - from prison to PCE
Component being cast
Manufacturing workshop