Jobtrack
Category: Working with Prisoners, their Families and Children
Jobtrack is a partnership between NIACRO, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) which works to increase the employability of offenders and ex-prisoners.
The Jobtrack programme is based on research which shows a link between unemployment and reoffending. By helping offenders increase their skills and get jobs it is contributing to an overall crime reduction strategy. Jobtrack works in all 3 prisons providing a structured OCN accredited Employment Support Programme. This is enhanced by "Through The Gate" linkage and support as part of an individuals successful resettlement. On release prisoners are encouraged to move into relevent opportunities in the community that include jobs, training, education or where appropriate remain with Jobtrack in the community. Fiona is one example of the work we do with offenders within the prisons. Most Jobtrack prison clients (77%) are rated as either a medium or high risk of re-offending. This is a tough group, as they are generally long-term unemployed and face more barriers than most when trying to convince businesses to employ them. Not everyone completes the Jobtrack programme. However, of the 66 Jobtrack prison clients who did complete it during 2009/10, over 60% went into training or employment. Of those who did not finish, 4% left to pursue training or employment. The current Jobtrack contract is until March 2011. With the emerging, challenging economic situation we expect to face further difficulties engaging with the labour market. However, by identifying and establishing innovative solutions to tackle barriers, the Jobtrack team are continuing to reach their targets. Jobtrack is funded under the ESFNI Priority 1:helping people into sustainable employment and is also supported by the PBNI and NIPS. |
Tel: 02890 320 157 User Experiences Links |
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