Constructed Pathways

Rehabilitation and sustainable employment

Peterborough and Cambridge Chamber of Commerce meeting at HMP Peterborough

Effective rehabilitation and sustainable employment for people upon their release from prison was a crucial theme when the parties met early in 2024 at HMP Peterborough. The consensus was clear, if rehabilitation is to succeed, time spent in prison must be used productively, with greater focus on training, education, and career development opportunities.

Although employment is one of the most effective ways to reduce reoffending, ironically, a major factor contributing to reoffending is the difficulty former prisoners face in securing stable employment. At the same time, the construction industry is grappling with a severe labour shortage, particularly in key trades such as bricklaying, ground working, electrical work, and plumbing and heating engineering.

To resolve this issue, Constructed Pathways has begun exploring a partnership with HMP Peterborough to address both issues offering relevant, trade specific training and education, positioning prisoners for employment upon release. In collaboration with our consortium, we plan to provide bricklaying qualifications and CSCS cards for people seeking a fresh start in a sector that desperately needs skilled workers, whilst also building relationships with employers and the supply chain, ensuring that individuals who have earned the necessary skills will have every chance to secure employment after release.

On 13th May, a site visit to HMP Peterborough was conducted, during which several potential locations for the program launch were reviewed. Discussions also took place regarding the upskilling of staff to deliver training in partnership with our further education partners through the CP ConstructEd program.

This initiative aims to eliminate one of the major barriers in prison education, ensuring access to qualified teachers and trainers when they are needed the most.

The skills shortage in the UK construction sector is a pressing challenge that requires coordinated efforts from the government, industry, and training providers to meet the increasing demand. Constructed Pathways is committed to driving this effort, uniting all relevant stakeholders to support both people and the industry.

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) report for the year ending March 2021

Reoffending rate for adults in the UK was 25.6%, meaning approximately one in four reoffends within 12 months of release. For those serving sentences of less than 12 months, the reoffending rate is even higher, exceeding 55%.

Introducing a new approach to technical education

Relevant, Consistent, and Accredited Technical Education for 16 to 18 year olds.

In both the aviation and construction industries, career progression opportunities are often poorly understood, under explained, and rarely highlighted. We're committed to changing that by introducing a new approach to technical education, designed to engage young people in a sustainable, relevant, and current way by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they need through a fully accredited GCSE program.

Bringing the curriculum to life

Drawing on our expertise in delivering technical curricula in schools (starting with ages 14-16), we have collaborated with the education sector to develop a GCSE program that ensures consistent engagement with employers. These industry partners help bring the curriculum to life by providing real-world examples, materials, and hands-on design/make challenges. This collaboration also creates opportunities for students to learn about and explore careers in industries that are often overlooked.

The right information at the right time

By offering consistent and relevant career guidance, we ensure that young people receive the information they need when it matters most. This approach not only connects students with potential employers but also clearly explains the opportunities available to them.

A fully accredited programme

Our program is fully aligned with an accredited GCSE, developed in partnership with the awarding body. By engaging all key stakeholders, schools delivering the curriculum, employers providing industry insight, and the awarding body certifying the qualification, we’ve created a model that guarantees success and opens doors to meaningful career pathways for students.

Flexible Workforce of Qualified Competent Tutors & Assessors

Construction Industry Skills Gap

Using the intelligence obtained through the Consortium, and our own research, we became aware of the industry wide skills gap and the impact this is having on Construction projects across the nation. Exploring this further, we recognised that a major barrier to increasing the number of tradespeople entering the industry was the small number of trainers and assessors operating in further education, limiting the number of students’ providers could recruit. Equally as important was the financial disparity between tradespeople operating on-site and those delivering the training.

Developing the Next Generation

As a result of this challenge, we engaged with Cambridge Regional College through the Consortium, to explore ways in which we could increase the volume of trainers and assessors, without negatively impacting an individual's financial performance. Utilising the Adult Training Budget through the Combined Local Authority, the ConstructEd programme was developed.

ConstructED Programme

The ConstructED programme is a level 3 teaching qualification, funded through the Adult Learning budget and fully supported by experienced course tutors. Delivery is through a blend of online and lassroom-based sessions over 6 hours a week and includes shadowing and workshop time. The programme is available to adults, 19 and over, who live in the Cambridge and Peterborough area.

Accelerating and Scaling the Solution

To accelerate the ConstructED program, we approached the CITB requesting support using Industry levy funds (IIF) or a similar grant to accelerate and scale the adoption of this programme across the Country. Financial support would be used to incentivise employers to release their skilled and experienced operatives and enhance the marketing of this programme. In the process we would be creating a flexible pool of new tutors and assessors capable of operating across multiple sites within the region.

Benefits and outcomes:

 Address the skills gap by training more industry professionals.

 Develop a more competent future workforce, improving overall industry standards.

 Encourage greater participation from within Industry.

 Enhance retention by creating a pathway from industry into education, offering a 2 nd career

to experienced workers who would otherwise leave the industry.

 Achieve a higher level of skill and competency within the workforce.

 Enable employers to benefit from a more skilled workforce and potential long-term cost

savings.