Employers can play a major role in reducing reoffending

Jan 22 2008 By The Journal

A-ONE Integrated Highway Services, a joint venture of Halcrow and Colas which manages the trunk road network in the North-East on behalf of the Highways Agency, has signed up to the EXIT to Work Corporate Alliance, a programme designed to reduce reoffending by giving ex-offenders employment opportunities – and is urging other employers to do the same.

Phill Beaumont, assistant network manager at A-one, is currently working with the North-East Employer Coalition (NEEC) as part of the programme and is hoping to employ a number of ex-offenders within the company. He believes that this is the beginning of a successful long-term partnership.

He said: “I was so impressed by what I saw at the launch event of this programme that I was determined to become involved and I am urging other employers do to the same.

“There is a vast pool of untapped resources which, with the help of the EXIT to Work scheme, we can utilise and not only reduce reoffending but start to have a positive impact on the skills shortages within the region’s construction industry.

“During the developing stages of this relationship, I had numerous conversations with John Millichap, job developer on the EXIT to Work programme.

“I was able to discuss ongoing construction industry skills requirements with him, along with identifying suitable training courses.

“He has offered overall support while we build this connection and has consistently been on hand to provide advice and guidance to A-one throughout every stage.

“It is a simple process once the company has signed up. The EXIT to Work team recommends candidates and then the individuals the organisation feels are suitable can enrol on a 12-week work experience placement.

“This not only gives them the necessary experience that all employers look for in a potential new recruit, it also gives them confidence in their abilities to do a good job.

“I strongly believe if A-one can take individuals and give them a chance to gain new skills to help them get a job, it can only be a good thing.

“Not only are we working together to support Government initiatives, we also benefit from access to a potential pool of job-ready employees and the partnership gives us the chance to network with employees who sign up to the Corporate Alliance.

“A-one has long-term ambitions for this partnership and look forward to working with the potential new recruits in the coming months.

“We hope to have taken on candidates by the end of the year and aim to continue this progression with the EXIT to Work team in the future.”

* Employers who want to know more about the EXIT to Work programme or the Corporate Alliance should contact John Millichap, job developer, on (01642) 636283 or by email, john.millichap@necoalition.org.uk