Ex-prisoners rebuilding lives through skills training

The Department of Justice, Corrective Services has partnered with a local not-for-profit organisation and a registered skills training group to create the four-week program.

Over the past six months Corrective Services has engaged the Ngalla Maya Culturally Strong Remand Prisoners Employment Readiness and Diversion Program to involve Aboriginal people in prison at the earliest possible point into their employment and training program.

Over the past 10 months, Ngalla Maya has placed 86 graduates into employment and training.

The first two weeks of the program are delivered at Casuarina Prison by Ngalla Maya before two weeks of practical training at Skills Training and Engineering Services (STES) in Bibra Lake.

"The basic tickets that the ex-offenders have after completing their two-week training at Skills Training and Engineering Services allows them to start a career in the mining and construction industry," Corrective Services Commissioner Tony Hassall said.

"From there, I hope they continue to upskill and progress through the workforce."

STES chief executive Kamal Haddad said: "We teach them practical, basic skills like working at heights, firefighting, driving a forklift, scaffolding, dogging and getting them a White Card,".

Ex-prisoners receive ongoing support to find employment upon release.

"We have seen so many positive changes in those taking part in the course, including increased self-worth, better communication skills, dealing with issues as they arise and realising there are people who want to help them succeed," Ngalla Maya chief executive Mervyn Eades said.

"Ngalla Maya’s successful program is one of a kind, it’s respected by the mob, which is why we’ve delivered extraordinary employment numbers for Aboriginal ex-offenders."

Commissioner Hassall said once ex-prisoners get secure employment, they're less likely to reoffend.

"This is about working in partnership with a well-established Aboriginal organisation, working with prisoners and ex-offenders, and getting them into real employment pathways," he said.

"By helping prisoners find employment, they improve their housing options, health pathways and mental health, so they're less likely to come back."