Released Prisoners in Ealing to Get Construction Training
Part of council's effort to help people facing barriers to employment
Programme prepares participants to get key industry qualification
August 19, 2025
A new initiative led by PLIAS Resettlement and funded by Ealing Council is providing industry-recognised health and safety training to prisoners at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, aiming to support their reintegration into the workforce upon release.
The programme forms part of Ealing Council’s £1 million investment in employment support for residents facing significant barriers to work, including ex-offenders. It focuses on preparing participants for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card exam, a key qualification for entering the construction industry, which continues to experience labour shortages.
Since its launch in October 2024, more than 80 individuals have completed the training. The scheme includes follow-up support after release, helping participants transition from custody into the community and into employment.
Tom Chandler, Director of PLIAS Resettlement, explained, “We visit the prison every month. We target prisoners who are due for release within the next three months, as they need more timely help. We explain what we are doing and how it can benefit them. If they are interested in a career in construction, we put them forward for our training programme.”
He added: “Once people get released, we invite them to our fully equipped IT centre which they can come to as many times as they want. We want them to successfully pass their CSCS test and move into employment, so they get unlimited practice and revision materials. We know that people who are employed in jobs with prospects are less likely to re-offend.”
The programme also includes support with CV writing, interview preparation, and guidance on how to disclose a criminal conviction to potential employers. Once participants obtain their CSCS card, Ealing Council’s construction skills advisor assists them in finding work on local construction sites.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, said, “Creating opportunities for people in prison is helping us reach our ambition of supporting 2,000 residents with the toughest barriers to employment.
“Once they have paid their debt to society, it is vital that we offer ex-offenders the help they need to become contributing members of society. Our lives don’t always follow a straight line, and everyone should have an equal chance to find a good job.”
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