Driven by a shortage of workers in the industry, it’s the first time the course has been held for women prisoners.
The program is run in partnership with Workskil Australia and Carey Training, both companies focus on training workers in areas of need.
Angela Graham, Prisoner Education Manager Metro said vocational courses like concreting can pave the way for prisoners’ employment on release.
“Finding employment can change their life. We’ve had a number of employers attend the graduation, speak to the women and already several of them have been offered jobs.”
One woman who’s completed the concreting course said she took full advantage of the education and training on offer at Boronia.
“I have less than three months to go. I’m hoping to find employment straight away, possibly work in the mines, and just save up some money to buy a house.”
Workskil’s Lisa Jennings said the organisation supported the course to engage with the women prior to release.
“I’ve seen how they’ve learnt to work as a team during the training. Many were unsure at the beginning but now they’re confident and know they’re equipped with a valuable skillset. All this will help us place them in work.”
Permacast, a major supplier of concrete products, said it was looking to recruit several women who’ve completed the course.
“We like to offer people a second chance. We’ve done it before and some of our best employees have previously walked a different path,” said Head of Human Resources Alanah Cravino.
The Department’s Angela Graham said the concreting course would also be run at Bandyup Women’s Prison and Karnet Prison Farm.
Topics covered include handling concreting materials and components, using construction tools and equipment, and work safety requirements in the construction industry.
