Tim, 21 was sentenced to two years in prison for a first offence. For most young men, that first prison sentence could mean a life of crime – within two years of a first spell in custody, almost three quarters of offenders between 18 and 21 are reconvicted and half are behind bars again.
For Tim, though the future is looking good. His chance came while he was in Reading Young Offender Institution and was put forward to do a gas network operative course, managed by National Grid. He completed the classroom work in prison and practical training on a day release at a Depot and qualified as a Gas Network Operative (GNO) NVQ level 1. Since his release he has been working for Morisson Utility Services, a National Grid contractor in the Southampton area. National Grid provided driving tuition and he passed his driving test. In July 2004, he successfully completed his GNO NVQ Level 2 in service laying and now works as a team leader. Tim talks enthusiastically about his work “I enjoy my work and have great prospects. I want to get on in my job. My family really stuck by me and knowing that, I don’t want to let them down again”.
Tim has been working for over two years now, he has moved into a flat and gives the impression of a man who feels he is getting a fair deal from the world and is prepared to reciprocate.
Chris, who served four years in Wymott Prison completed the National Grid Gas Network Operative NVQ Level 1 course and now employed by McAlpine’s said:
“It was the first time I had been in prison and it will be the last time. I have learned my lesson and my job will help keep me on the rails now”.
Chris, who served his sentence in Rochester and Reading Young Offender Institutions and completed the National Grid Gas Network Operative NVQ Level 1 course and now employed by Morrisons Utility Services said
“It was a fantastic opportunity to turn my life around. I was able to do the training while I was in prison and as it combined theory and on the job training I was surprised at how quickly I was able to learn. It has given me a skill for life in an industry where there is a great demand for skilled employees. I am proud that I have an NVQ qualification and did not waster my time in prison. I left with my head held high”.