Our current Programs by Constructed Pathways

 In April 2024, the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce held a meeting at HMP Peterborough, gathering its members to focus on a crucial theme: effective rehabilitation and sustainable employment for people upon their release from prison. 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.

During the meeting, the Chamber presented a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) report for the year ending March 2021, which revealed that the overall proven 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%.

A major factor contributing to reoffending is the difficulty former prisoners face in securing stable employment. Many lack the necessary skills, have low educational attainment, and face stigma from potential employers, which limits their access to apprenticeships and further training. Ironically, employment is one of the most effective ways to reduce reoffending, yet many ex-offenders struggle to receive the necessary training and opportunities to secure work.

At the same time, the construction industry is grappling with a severe labour shortage, particularly in key trades such as bricklaying, groundworking, electrical work, and plumbing and heating engineering.

Constructed Pathways has now explored and created an initial partnership with HMP Peterborough, to provide solutions to address both issues; reducing reoffending and meeting labour demands by creating an innovative, sustainable pathway to employment in the construction industry. This approach will offer relevant, trade-specific training and education during the final 6 months of prisoners' sentences, positioning them for employment upon release, regardless of where they are in the country. In collaboration with our consortium, we will enable initial bricklaying qualifications, mentorship, coaching supporting self-employment and obtaining their CSCS cards, offering new opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start in a sector that desperately needs skilled workers to drive forward economic growth, starting in the region. Constructed Pathways have also build relationships with employers and the supply chain of large-scale developments, ensuring that individuals who have earned the necessary skills will have every chance to secure employment after release. A significant advantage of the construction industry is its geographic flexibility, wherever a person is released, the high demand for workers increases the likelihood of securing a job locally, addressing one of the key barriers to post-release employment. 

•  HMP Peterborough: Selecting the right individuals—motivated and committed to training and success to secure employment upon release. Provide space for training to be conducted effectively
• NHBC: Supplying the skills curriculum, industry leading trainers training the skills which industry needs and trusts
• Constructed Pathways: Sourcing and providing high-quality training, industry partners for credibility and employment opportunities, enabling pathways into construction once release dates and location(s) are identified through our contracts with Master Developers and their supply chain
• Urban&Civic: Providing financial and project support to enable delivery and support employment pathways into the industry. Utilising their supply chain to help resource and support people post delivery

• Breheny -  Provided groundworks and support to enable the facility to be used at HMP Peterborough
• ECL - Provided support with materials and tooling to enable training
• Jewsons - Supported obtaining materials and resources for delivery
• Adaptainer - Provided crucial infrastructure to HMP Peterborough for storage solutions

A transformative internship programme, designed by Constructed Pathways and funded through the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, is changing lives and helping residents into work while tackling the region’s skills shortage.

The programme connects local talent with major employer Mick George Ltd, a key player in the region’s construction sector. Utilising Combined Authority funding, Constructed Pathways sourced, inducted and created the training with Mick George; who has taken on five interns for six-week placements, equipping them with the training and the skills to start a career in a high-demand industry.

This Combined Authority-led initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), brings together local government, skills providers and local businesses to deliver intensive training that values hard work over prior experience.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, hailed the programme’s success: “This initiative is about real jobs and real futures. Last year, an intern became a full-time project manager with Constructed Pathways, and now Mick George Ltd is training five interns to become dozer drivers. We’re investing in programmes like this to build skills and create well-paid careers for our residents.”

 “The collaboration between local government, skills providers, and industry is crucial to solving the skills shortage,” said Dan Edwards from Constructed Pathways. “We’re the integrators, bringing everyone together to create opportunities that industry needs.”

Michael Moriarty, HR Director at Mick George Ltd, explained their enthusiasm for the programme: “As a major employer, we jumped at the chance to use Combined Authority funding to bring in fresh talent. Our interns are already operating machinery and contributing from day one. This programme lets us train motivated individuals, regardless of their background, and it’s working – we’ve got people in full-time roles because of it.”

Intern, Zack McCoo shared this enthusiasm for the programme’s impact: “This internship with Mick George has been life-changing. I’ve gained practical skills like operating a dumper with confidence, learned how to work effectively on a construction site, and built teamwork abilities alongside supportive colleagues. The programme has opened doors to a long-term career in construction. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”

• Mick George: Selecting the right individuals: motivated and committed to training and success to secure employment upon release. Provide space and equipment for training to be conducted effectively
• Constructed Pathways: Sourcing and providing high-quality training material and program. Source industry partners for credibility and employment opportunities, enabling pathways into construction upon course completion. Conduct and coordinate training administrative requirements.
• CPCA: Providing financial and project support to enable delivery and support employment pathways into the industry.