More than a dozen employers, training organisations and other service providers attended and at least one company has already followed up after speaking to a prisoner they are keen to employ.
Greenough Employment Coordinator Gina Lawler said the prisoners were very enthusiastic.
“It was so heartening to see them make the most of the occasion, asking questions, wanting to find out about opportunities for the future.”
One company was Programmed Facility Management, which runs large projects to maintain and upgrade housing.
Manager Michael Watts said the jobs fair was a welcome initiative in the current labour shortage.
“We spoke to a prisoner who has a background as a painter. He will be released soon and would be just the worker for one of our Mid-West sites.”
“Many of them have either had a trade previously or completed skills training inside. So it wouldn’t take much more training to put them into a job,” Mr Watts said.
Gail Prosser, from Apprenticeship Support Australia, agrees.
“I’d like to sign prisoners up as apprentices for training, especially those nearing the end of their sentence. Employers all over are screaming out for workers and it was fantastic to be able to tell prisoners about the opportunities available.”
Jason is a prisoner who attended the jobs expo as he would like to find a job on a mine site when he’s released.
“I was surprised there are so many employers who are willing to help, even for people with a criminal record.”
Geraldton Employment Facilitator Barbara Thompson hopes the prison will hold more similar events.
“There was nothing but positive affirmation and the prisoners’ engagement was beyond expectation. I was also thrilled to see women prisoners come through, showing interest in mining jobs.”
Greenough Regional Prison is already planning another jobs expo for next year and is reaching out to more employers to attend.