HM Featherstone prisoners handed 'life-changing' opportunity by tyre manufacturer

Bridgestone has offered a lifeline to 30 people who have finished their sentences – allowing them a chance at getting an Institute of Motor Industry qualification.

It comes amid a shortage of skills in the truck tyre industry and a need to rehabilitate inmates.

Prison governor Warren Sullivan said: “We always try to see the person rather than the prisoner and by partnering with us, Bridgestone are doing this too.

"What Bridgestone has done here cannot be underplayed. We can teach prisoners a lot, but the difference with some domestic based skills and this is that there is a real, tangible opportunity here. This course is as important as any other we provide.

"This is a life-changer for many of the students doing the course. Not only does it give them hope, but the qualifications make them a commodity on the outside world. There is often a stigma attached to prisoners and perceptions can be negative.

Positivity

"But Bridgestone has seen beyond this and the students will not let them down.”

They will work on a custom-built trailer rig, gaining insight from specialists at the company.

Bridgestone’s training and development manager Paul Turner said: “Coming in and seeing these guys working so hard – with such positivity – is so good to see. They’re engaged, they’re keen to learn and there is some real talent here too.

"There is a skills gap in the industry and we thought that this would be a unique way to tackle it, whilst giving a second opportunity to people who are desperate to knuckle down and forge their own careers.

"The qualifications they will gain are seen as being ‘indispensable’ amongst our fleet customers and I know that the skills that these students are acquiring are very much sought-after and in short supply.

"t is good to see so much passion and pride in the their work and we certainly wish them well in their continuing studies."