Call to employ former inmates

"Helping an ex-offender get a job and stay in that job contributes to a more stable community." Justin Wilson, Ministry of Social Development regional director

Ex-offenders can be a huge source of untapped and work-ready talent, particularly in industries short of skilled labour, officials say.

A criminal record isn’t traditionally the kind of experience bosses look for when hiring, but the Ministry of Social Development’s new regional director Justin Wilson says hiring past lawbreakers may help former prisoners see the light.

Since a three-year trial started in October last year, 14 former Manawatu¯ prisoners have entered the region’s workforce. Nationwide, about 55 people have benefited.

The national prison population is at its highest ever, with more than 10,000 inmates. There are another 30,000 community-based offenders, nationwide.

Working with the Department of Corrections, the trial aims to give ex-offenders the education, training and housing to become employable.

Seven Manawatu¯ businesses are giving former prisoners a second chance, but Wilson is calling for others to join the queue.

His plea follows an agreement between the Corrections and collection service Waste Management in June that provides jobs to offenders who were still in prison, but allowed to go out during the day and work.

Waste Management had 1500 employees around New Zealand and about 50 vacancies.

It also had 800 trucks on New Zealand roads and was struggling to find drivers.

Wilson said such partnerships were providing employers with motivated and skilled workers for a wide range of jobs.

Having stable employment played a huge role in reducing the likelihood of reoffending once someone left prison, he said.

The ministry trial involves staff meeting with prisoners 10 weeks before their release. They stick with the offender for 52 weeks after being released.

In Manawatu¯ , ex-offenders are now working in several industries, including building, joinery, warehousing and civil construction, Wilson said.

He challenged businesses to see the person, not the conviction.

‘‘The key is changing perceptions and attitudes. Life doesn’t always go according to plan and sometimes we need help to get ourselves back on track.

‘‘Helping an ex-offender get a job and stay in that job contributes to a more stable community and sends an incredibly positive message.’’

This was the case for Whangarei man Fabian Flavell.

A careers adviser suggested he work as a cabin maker, and he proved so successful that in June he registered his own building company. He now has six employees.

Flavell, now 25, was 17 years old and on the cusp of a promising rugby league career, when he got into drugs and ended up in jail, charged with violent assault.

Flavell struggled to find fulltime employment when he left prison in 2012.

But it was the birth of his daughter five years ago that ignited the desire to turn his life around.