WaMT working with women at HMP Styal – Toni’s story
Women and Manual Trades works in partnership with Styal prison in Cheshire, where we facilitate an introduction to construction programme. After completing the programme, skills bootcamps in construction are offered to women interested in working in the industry.
The WaMT team works closely with the prison to screen candidates, ensuring that the courses are completed, and jobs available are suitable for the women both whilst they are serving sentences and through their release. This provides women with the security of work ‘through the gates’, helping them transition smoothly and successfully to life on the outside.
The team met Toni when she completed the introductory course. She went on to gain her health and safety qualifications and a CSCS card to enable her to work on building sites. Toni was eligible for ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence), and the WaMT team secured her a work placement on a construction site in Manchester.
Prior to her release, the team worked with Toni to identify a suitable role for her close to her home. Through their partnership with Wilmott Dixon, an opportunity with their steel fixing sub-contractor, Mayo Civils, was identified. Having been coached through a successful application and interview process, Toni broke new ground, becoming the first female steel fixer to start with Mayo since it was founded!
After a week, the contractor who had taken Toni on, Mayo Civils, fed back that Toni is a delight to work with and is going to go far, as she is progressing quicker than expected. Ray Flemming, MD at Mayo Civils said: “Toni is the first female steel fixer I have worked with in the UK since 1978, it is a fantastic result”.
Toni said “the experience has made me more determined to progress”. And six months later, Toni is thriving. She is proud of herself for having stuck with it, and remains keen to learn. Despite being the only woman on the site, her confidence is growing and she is a valuable member of the team and her local community.
7th August 2024