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Four prison officers shown tricks of the DIY trade by B&Q colleague

Published: 31 March 2014
The DIY skills the four prison officers gained from B&Q's Bob Lakey will be passed on to prisoners in Scottish prisons to increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
Four prison officers shown tricks of the DIY trade by B&Q colleague
Mr Lakey, a customer service advisor at the Coatbridge store, ran the 'train a trainers' session at HMP Glenochil after prison officer, Colin McKenzie, discovered by chance that B&Q offered 'you can do it' workshops to the public.

Prison officers Colin McKenzie and Jamie Robbins of Glenochil, Paul Murphy of HMP Low Moss and Andrew Easton of HMP Perth were taught how to tile kitchens and bathrooms during the session.

Mr Lakey said: "Glenochil gets its supplies from B&Q in Stirling so there was already a relationship there. However, when Colin found out that we have teaching workshops at Coatbridge, it wasn't long before I found myself behind bars.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Glenochil. Everyone deserves an opportunity to make a better life, whatever their circumstances, and I am proud to have been asked to represent B&Q at this fantastic training session at Glenochil. The prison officers all worked really hard and were great pupils."

Nigel Ironside, Governor at HMP Glenochil, said: "Our staff will transfer their learning to our prison population, helping them to gain basic skills in tiling to increase their chances of gaining employment opportunities on release. This is a useful skill to possess for home improvements and augments the painting and decorating course they are undertaking."

Comments

31 March 2014 01:03:00
By Eric
Note to By Concerned... 26% of released offenders that re-offend that are caught! It is widely accepted that a further 27% re-offend but are not caught. The stats go on, however, its clear to see that prison as a punishment is not a deterrent!
31 March 2014 01:02:00
By More Concerned
Perhaps the prisoners could reciprocate training courses to include Lock Smith and Security Devices!
31 March 2014 01:01:00
By Concerned
With 26% of released offenders re-offending within a year of release (justice.gov.uk as a source) I hope the prison service is careful who they train up.
Of course all who are released have paid their debt to society, and without wanting to tar all prisoners with the same brush it does give pause for thought.

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