Positive Progress In Young Offender Technician Training

AYLESBURY – UNITED KINGDOM – October 29, 2008: A presentation at the Toyota-sponsored motor vehicle training facility at Aylesbury Young Offenders Institution in October saw nearly 50 certificates presented to inmates for technician training. More young prisoners are helping turn their lives around through T-TEP the Toyota Technical Education Programme.

The Vocational Related Qualification certificates, which are recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) ranged from Level 1 to Level 4, the highest possible grade, available for the first time at Aylesbury this year.

Toyota’s ground-breaking training scheme at Aylesbury Young Offenders Institution was established in 1998, giving prisoners the opportunity to work towards a Level 3 Technical Certificate accredited by the Institute of The Motor Industry. Operating to exactly the same standards as Toyota’s other UK training centres, the 18-month course has so far trained more than 240 vehicle technicians. It is now possible to reach a higher qualification with the introduction of Level 4 which requires a further six months training.

Inmates have to earn the right to attend the course and are screened and hand picked by the YOI authorities. The course is funded by Toyota which supplies all the training materials, tooling, cars and equipment necessary.

The ceremony was attended by inmates and their families. Also present was Robin Giles, Toyota General Manager for Corporate Planning and Social Responsibility along with senior training staff from the Toyota Academies. Giles said: “The fact some inmates have chosen to delay their parole so that they can complete the course speaks volumes for how successful it has become.”

David Kennedy the Governor of Aylesbury YOI added, “I am delighted to be part of such an important partnership between the Prison Service and Toyota. Prisoners who have had very little opportunity to achieve qualifications prior to incarceration now have the opportunity to gain skills which are likely to lead to their employment on release thus addressing one of the major factors in re-offending.

This alone would be enough incentive for this type of project but the improved sense of self respect I witness each time a young prisoner achieves his qualification is beyond measure.”