Griffiths were delighted to be invited by our customer, Transport for Wales (TfW), to be part of a new pilot scheme to help rehabilitate offenders and provide them with an opportunity to change their lives through training and employment..
Aligning strongly with our Social Value Policy, the ‘Building Futures – On the Right Track’ initiative is a partnership pilot scheme that provides a chance for individuals, in prison, to work with Transport for Wales, and their partners, on the South Wales Metro Project.
As part of the TfW Alliance, we were invited to meet and interview offenders, following a review of their CV’s. The interview process, facilitated by TfW, was similar to our own recruitment structure and resulted in two offenders, who are referred to as delegates, being offered paid employment with us.
Both delegates, who started with us in early November 2021, had previously held Personal Track Safety (PTS) qualifications, and it was agreed that we would develop and strengthen their knowledge with additional skills and training, including asbestos awareness, cable avoidance training and working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Construction.
Transported daily from Prescoed Prison both delegates have become key members of the Team on Package 7 works on the Core Valleys Line based in Aberdare. Both delegates worked over Christmas assisting in the demolition of Devils Footbridge near Treforest during a series of rail possessions.
Prior to this initiative, the delegates had used their time in prison to obtain qualifications, working towards NEBOSH and IOSH diplomas, and this has led to one delegate showing a particular interest in Health and Safety. To help nurture this interest, the Project Team have enabled him to shadow our SHEQ Advisor Neil Jones, to support him in gaining a better understanding of the role.
Construction Manager, Andrew (Tommy) Gunning, who has been involved in this exciting initiative from the start stated:
Both delegates fitted in immediately with our Team, they are hardworking and keen to learn. They have been open about their past and this has been welcomed by their colleagues. I look forward to seeing this initiative continue so that we can employ more delegates and help ensure that these individuals continue to prosper following their release.
The initiative means that both delegates are paid employees of Griffiths and will continue to be employed by the Company following their release.
Griffiths Managing Director Stephen Tomkins said:
Leaving a positive legacy within the communities in which we work is central to our core values. Being able to support individuals back into work and provide the training for them to succeed is testament to these core values. I would like to thank and congratulate both delegates for their contribution to the project and their dedication to develop themselves through training and qualifications.
