Northward inmates receive career advice
(CNS Local Life): Members of public and private sector groups visited inmates at Northward Prison Chapel on Wednesday, 31 July, to give talks and answer questions about gaining qualifications and re-entering the workforce. Ahead of the presentations, Prison Director Steven Barrett spoke to the participants about the importance of stable employment as a factor in supporting the transition from prison to the community and as a key enabler for re-engaging those released from prison with the community.
“Being employed is known to be a factor in reducing reoffending for both men and women however there is also evidence that the stability and quality of work, are important factors,” Barrett told a full chapel of inmates, a government press release said.
“Work, when it is stable, is an enabler in helping to form those special social bonds that supports future desistence from crime,” he added.
Representatives from government agencies as well as local business leaders, were on hand offer their expertise and encouragement to inmates who are motivated to make a fresh start.
Alfred McLeod, correctional counsellor with HM Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), and Michael Myles, from vocational training centre Inspire Cayman, gave details of the range of qualifications inmates had access to as part of the rehabilitation programme offered at the prison. These qualifications are recognised worldwide and available to all inmates, regardless of their sentence, the release stated.
Katherine Whittaker, Head of Labour Demands at the Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman spoke to inmates about the career areas with the highest workforce demand on the island – banking, legal, technology and healthcare.
Milly Serpell, of Stepping Stones Recruitment, discussed her company’s work-readiness training which teaches inmates practical skills such as writing a CV, performing well at interviews and general work ethic.
After the presentations, the inmates were then offered the opportunity to ask the panellists questions or seek advice about their own circumstances. Many queried the panellists about what support and guidance was available for them to start their own business or how they could patent an invention, the release said.
Category: Civil Service, Employment, Local News, Prison Service
