In December, 26 prisoners in Rimutaka Prison graduated with qualifications that can help them gain employment in the print and distribution industries.
Mathew Allen, assistant prison director at Rimutaka, says the number of qualifications reflects the importance of training and education in improving prisoners’ employment prospects. He says, “The men have earned real and relevant qualifications that will help them gain work in the print or distribution industries when released. Some may want to continue with further studies as well.”
Twelve prisoners gained print qualifications while 14 gained distribution qualifications. One prisoner obtained three National Certificates at Level 3 in Distribution, Digital Processing and Guillotine Operation. He also gained limited credits in binding introduction. Seventeen men also received their certificates demonstrating they have met the approved code of practice for the safe operation of a forklift.
The prison’s instructors, who teach literary and numeracy to prisoners along with trade skills, delivered the courses. The men gained on the job experience working in the prison’s print shop and distribution centre.
Rimutaka’s print shop provides a range of commercial printing services to support Corrections’ activities including printing information brochures, training and assessment materials, and other materials for corrections staff and prisoners. It also produces work under commercial contract to external clients including government departments and NGOs. The print shop also designs and prints greeting cards that prisoners can buy.
Rimutaka Prison Distribution Instructor Aaron Jeffs
One of the prisoners described the print shop as “a working environment with a production line” where the men had learned a lot, adding, “The skills gained here will vastly improve our employability.”
Scott Miller, chief executive of Volunteering New Zealand, attended the graduation and acknowledged the work the Print Shop does for the organisation. He says, “We really rate the quality and service we receive from the Print Shop.”
Qualifications the men gained include:
National Certificate in Printing (Binding and Finishing) (Level 3) with strands in Print Finishing Sheet-fed, Print finishing Reel-fed, Folder Operator, Guillotine Operator, Hand Bookbinding, and Machine Bookbinding
National Certificate in Printing (Digital Processes for Print) Level 3
National Certificate in Distribution Level 3
Limited credit programme certificates
Corrections says reducing re-offending is its top priority and by helping prisoners to earn skills and qualifications, it could help them gain employment on release. Research shows that getting a sustainable job can reduce the likelihood of re-offending and help create safer communities.
