A new training initiative is offering prisoners from Ealing the chance to lay the foundations for a career in construction – and rebuild their lives – once they are released.
Funded by Ealing Council and provided by Park Royal-based charity PLIAS Resettlement, the programme provides industry-approved health and safety training to borough residents serving time in HMP Wormwood Scrubs. It is part of the council’s £1m investment in skills for groups excluded from the jobs market, with a focus on ex-offenders who face significant barriers to employment.
Participants prepare for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) test – a requirement for most site jobs – while still in custody. Since the scheme began in October 2024, more than 80 prisoners have taken part. The charity also offers “through the gate” support on release to ensure a transition into work.
Tom Chandler, PLIAS resettlement director, said: “We visit the prison every month. We target prisoners who are due for release within the next three months, as they need more timely help. We explain what we are doing and how it can benefit them. If they are interested in a career in construction, we put them forward for our training programme. We usually have 8-10 people attending per course.”
Once out, participants get unlimited access to the charity’s IT centre for revision, practice tests and employability support, including CV writing, interview coaching and advice on disclosing convictions.
Mr Chandler added: “We know that people who are employed in jobs with prospects are less likely to re-offend.”
The council’s construction skills adviser helps successful candidates find work locally. Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Creating opportunities for people in prison is helping us reach our ambition of supporting 2,000 residents with the toughest barriers to employment.
Councillor Nagpal added: “Once they have paid their debt to society, it is vital that we offer ex-offenders the help they need to become contributing members of society. Our lives don’t always follow a straight line, and everyone should have an equal chance to find a good job.”
