Ardagh Glass Doncaster have teamed up with Leeds Rhinos Foundation to help support their Onside programme.
Launched in 2016, the Onside programme is delivered in prisons to prepare offenders for release and tackle the issue of re-offending. The overall aim, and the design of the programme, is to help build the skills they will need following release.
The course is run in HMP Leeds and HMP Wealstun and in the last year Leeds Rhinos Foundation has expanded it delivery to HMP & YOI Hatfield.
Doncaster business Ardagh Glass, who are a partner of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, offered support for the programme and invited participants to their plant for a Recruitment Day.
The day was the pinnacle of the six-week Onside course run by Leeds Rhinos Foundation in HMP & YOI Hatfield. The morning consisted of a mock interview, a tour of the factory and presentations which had been researched and prepared in advance during the course.
The prisoners also took part in teamwork activity with the company’s staff. The activity saw the group split into teams to solve problems and work together on a design and build task.
James Grant, plant director at Ardagh Glass said of the initiative: “We have a lot of skills on site that can be used to help people. These guys all came willing to learn, and I am proud that we are able to support initiatives like this. I think it is safe to say that everyone who attended, including our staff, took a lot away from the experience.
“As a large local employer, engaging with CSR and community activities is one of Ardagh Doncaster’s strategic objectives. We care about our community, and giving back is a way we can demonstrate that. Activities such as this not only provide development opportunities for the candidates attending, but also for the employees involved.”
Janet Sylvester, project officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who runs the Onside Project said: “The day at Ardagh Glass was really valuable for the Onside participants. It was great for them to put the skills they have worked on during the course into practise and hopefully this will equip them further upon their release when seeking employment.
"We would like to thank the staff at Ardagh Glass for giving up their time to support our programme and we look forward to working with them closely on the project in the future.”
Ardagh Glass Doncaster will continue to work with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, to further develop their relationship, and provide ongoing support to the Onside programme.
For more information on the Onside programme, email janet.sylvester@leedsrhinosfoundation.org