In April 2022, Procure Plus and Fulcrum Scaffolding & Training launched a scaffolding pre-employment programme at HMP Thorncross supported by the CITB Onsite Experience fund.

The course includes a five-day, hands-on introduction to scaffolding, where learners construct low level structures such as towers, independents and birdcages. Over the five days, learners also complete a COTS and a GQA Level 1 Health & Safety in Construction Environment qualification.

All trainees are supported to gain a CISRS trainee scaffolder card, complete work experience, and have the chance to secure a full-time, permanent job – and most importantly, start a long-term career in the scaffolding sector.

Several trainees have since progressed onto their next level of their training path by successfully completing both their Part 1 and Part 2 scaffolding qualifications.

Since the pre-employment programme began,13 groups of trainees have completed the scheme, and nearly 70 men have moved into full-time, permanent employment with scaffolding companies across the North West of England.

The programme has become so successful, there is now a waiting list!

“Delivering the scheme in Thorncross with our partners Procure Plus has been a fantastic success, from the one-to-one work with the prisoners to the employers coming in and investing in the scheme, which has been great to see.

Learners from all walks of life tell us about the barriers they have overcome and what they want to achieve in the future. It’s incredible that the courses we deliver are helping them towards a better future and help give the learners the confidence and the belief to achieve the goals they want.

From completing the course, we then work to find the learners full-time employment, which in turn helps reduce reoffending. It gives the learner a better way of life. They can provide for themselves and their families and not have to worry about life and how they will be able to do this.

The number one ingredient for doing this job is having a passion for rehabilitation, which we strongly believe is why the scheme is so successful. Once at work, we offer further support to the learners. We will always be there to help where and when we can. Our goal is to continue the work we are doing and try and help as many people as possible”.

Dave Abraham – Managing Director at Fulcrum Scaffolding Safety & Training

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Fulcrum and HMP Thorncross to partner up on the pre-employment programme. To see the positive impact, it has made with so many people is amazing. To think that the partnership is helping people move into a life changing sustainable career, progress on to do Part 1 and Part 2 training is mind blowing. Dave, Sam and Joe have been great to work with and it’s great to see that the programme is making a real difference for the people who have completed the course and moved into work”.

Wiktor Morrell – Employment and Training Manager Procure Plus

“Since working with Fulcrums and Procure Plus over the last few years the success of this partnership is shown by the number of men that gain sustainable work. The scaffolding course is the most sought out course at Thorncross as men know that it delivers outcomes and allows them to progress in a career. Let’s hope this continues for a long time and we keep on getting men into great employment with companies that care and support”.

Sam Harris – Prison Employment Lead HMP Thorncross

A big thanks to all the employers who have supported the pre-employment programme. Allied Access, Summit Scaffolding, Connolly Scaffolding, PDL Scaffolding, BSL Scaffolding, AJS Scaffolding, Northern 90, Lyndon SGB, Craven Scaffolding, Pioneer Scaffolding, TAG Scaffolding, Spa Scaffolding, Scafftech, Tunny Scaffolding, Intech Scaffolding and SES Scaffolding.

Left to right Sam Harris – HMP Thorncross, Dave Abraham – Fulcrum, Trevor Donaghue – CISRS, Wiktor Morrell – Procure Plus, Joe McNabb – Fulcrum