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CITB NI: Training in Partnership initiatives to support the justice system

CITB NI’s Training in Partnership funding is intended to help the industry develop, innovate recruit and improve employee productivity through training.
CITB NI have been working in partnership with NIACRO  (a voluntary organisation which has been working for 50 years to reduce crime and its impact on people and communities) by funding construction related training since Aug 2020 through the ESF funded Working Well training programme which supported  those people with a criminal record, and/or a conviction to prepare them for a purposeful role that supports the local economy, giving a sense of achievement for the individual and reducing the chance of reoffending.

CITB NI have continued to play a key role in NIACRO’s employability programme through their support of, SkillSET the replacement of Working Well which has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund since August 2023 and continues the aim of helping those who are economically inactive in Northern Ireland to return to training and employment.

Since August 2023 CITB NI have funded 232 individuals to achieve a recognised construction related qualification or license, supporting their entry into employment in the construction industry, either for the first time or having been absent from the labour market for a period of time due to their criminal record or conviction.

Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Skills and Training, CITB NI said. “Partnering with NIACRO on key projects which focus on vocational training helps empower individuals within the justice system and not only offers them a path to rehabilitation but also addresses the pressing need for skilled labour in industries like construction. By investing in their development, we not only help rebuild structures but also help rebuild lives and communities.”
The qualifications funded by CITB NI include CSR Card, Level 2 Risk Assessment, Manual Handling, telescopic handler, dumper truck, 360 excavator licenses, tower crane operator, and banksman/slinger.

This work follows on from the SITE IT project ran previously in partnership with CITB NI, NIACRO, Sentireal and Department for Communities focusing on utilising VR technology to enable prisoners to ‘learn by doing’ in immersive VR environments, delivering vocational construction training and allowing them to build vocational skills and gain virtual work experience to support rehabilitation and prospects of a brighter future.
Rachel Long, Director of Operations NIACRO said, “We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from CITB NI – Training in Partnership for our SkillSET Programme. This allows us to provide vital construction training, empowering people with convictions to overcome barriers and progress into employment. Thanks to this funding, we are making a real difference in the lives of many individuals, supporting them to contribute positively to society through vital skills development” Since April 2024,  Niacro in partnership with CITB NI has provided construction training to 244 people, with 13 already going on to secure employment to date and a further 51 on a path to securing employment.”

One participant shared their experience:
"Thank you for everything you have done for me and my wee family. I really appreciate it and can't be more thankful. This has changed my life, and these licenses and your confidence in me pushed me to do the right thing. It has left me looking towards the future, and it is all positive!”


Having obtained employment for the first time since 2007, this participant’s story underscores the transformative potential of these initiatives.

For more information on NIACRO visit www.niacro.co.uk
For further information on how CITB NI can help you and your construction training visit  www.citbni.org.uk, like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CITBNorthernIreland or follow the discussion on X @CITBNI, Instagram @citbni1 and LinkedIn http://linkd.in/1GBeyLf
 
 Pictured is Rachel Long NIACRO and Rachel Dorovatas CITB NI celebrating the Training in Partnership success working together