Prisoners to train for city rebuild work

Last updated 09:26 11/05/2011

 

Prisoners are being trained behind bars to take part in Christchurch's rebuild.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins said demand for trade skills in the Christchurch recovery was huge, and more prisoners would receive trade and employment training to help meet the city's needs.

Over the next year, between 130 and 160 training placements will be provided at Christchurch Men's Prison.

Painting, plastering, plumbing, drainlaying, carpentry, joinery and welding courses will be available through new training workshops in the prison's low-security area.

These will begin in October, the first group of prisoners qualifying early next year.

Collins said the training programmes would benefit the city and the prisoners.