Several received as many three job offers.
Called “Unlocking the Future”, the nine week program is designed for prisoners in the final months of their sentence and guides them towards employment in areas such as roadwork, excavating, civil construction, gas testing and factories.
EGRP Employment Coordinator Gemma says 18 businesses attended the graduation and all were eager to offer jobs.
“We are a mining town, but not everyone can go into mining. So we picked units which would increase the chances of employment for ex-prisoners.”
“This project has local businesses involved. They’re ready to offer a second chance to prisoners to make a difference for them and their families,” she said.
One prisoner who completed the course said he was encouraged at seeing how much support he would have when he’s released.
Another, who has been in prison for more than 10 years, said he had hope for the first time.
“Learning these skills has opened so many doors for employment. This will be my last time in prison, I’m lucky to be given this chance.”
Besides job skills, the prisoners were also taught life skills like managing their money by financial guru Scott Pape.
Assistant Director Prisoner Employment Programs Larry Smith said the program was a great example of partnership with industry, government and the community.
“These connections help us develop programs which target skill shortages in the local area. The result of seven out of the eight graduates being offered jobs points to that.”
“With steady jobs the prisoners have an opportunity to change their behaviour, break the crime cycle and enhance their successful reintegration into the community” he said.
Training partners for this program include the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, Tafe, Training Alliance, Support Hub and Workforce Australia.
The next Unlocking the Future course will begin in January 2025.
