Willmott Dixon has opened its first prison-based skills academy in Kent, aimed at helping former offenders find jobs on their release.

The Willmott Dixon Building Lives Drylining Academy was launched at HMP Elmley in Kent.

The academy aims to provide residents with drylining skills and a CSCS card to help them move straight into employment when back in the community.

Willmott Dixon and its supply chain converted a warehouse inside the prison into an academy facility. They have also equipped prison officers with accredited skills necessary to deliver six-week in-house courses for prison residents, a sustainable and replicable training model believed to be a UK first.

The academy aims to upskill over 100 HMP Elmley residents each year so they are 'job ready' on release and ready to find careers in construction. Willmott Dixon's supply chain partners and local job agencies are also part of the process to help them find work.

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This is the third Building Lives Academy launched by Willmott Dixon within the last 12 months. Its academies in Croydon and Kingston, based adjacent to construction projects being delivered in these two London boroughs, have already equipped over 150 young unemployed people with key construction skills.

The academies are part of Willmott Dixon's 'purpose beyond profit' ethos to play an active role in strengthening the well-being of society through the contribution of its people.

Andy Davy, HMP Elmley deputy governor said: "HMP Elmley and the Reducing ReOffending team are excited to be working in partnership with Willmott Dixon. Being able to better prepare our residents with the appropriate skills to transition straight into employment upon release is a priority for the Prison. Employment is a definite contributor to the reduction in offending behaviour and helps to build stronger family stability."

Willmott Dixon managing director in South London and southern Homes Counties, Roger Forsdyke, added: "Our company is committed to transforming 10,000 people's life chances by 2020 and this academy is very much aimed at delivering this promise."

(CM/JG)