A UNIQUE two-year partnership between a local recruitment firm and a Tardebigge prison is allowing prisoners to make the most of their lives.

Church Green West-based Workforce Solutions is continuing its successful link up with Hewell Grange, the Category D unit of HMP Hewell, and the National Careers Service, which has seen a number of men given the opportunity to improve their employment prospects and gain full-time employment.

Under the scheme, Workforce is training people who are about to leave prison and helping them learn a range of new skills – including forklift truck driving, customer services, and warehousing.

The firm, which employs over 100 people, has also taken on a serving prisoner as part of their scheme in an account management role.

Joe Alekna, managing director of Workforce Solutions said: “To play our part in giving people another opportunity in life is fantastic.

“I am a really passionate supporter of the work we are doing and delighted to be involved in what I think is one of the most exciting and unique skills partnerships in the county. It’s about sourcing untapped talent and preparing them for the future.

Steve Perkins, from HMP Hewell said: “The men being trained by the team at Workforce Solutions are being given the opportunities to develop their skill sets so that they can compete in the labour market and secure employment while in custody and upon release.

"This is an important element of the individual’s resettlement process and contributes to the national reducing reoffending directive.”

Steve Burrows, National Careers Service Advisor at HMP Hewell added: “It’s a hugely valuable opportunity that they are being offered and great for employers who want to take on staff that are determined to prove themselves and make the most of their lives.”