One young person’s journey participating in the CashBack Passport project at HMYOI Polmont and in the community.
CashBack Passport is delivered by Access to Industry. The project engages young people aged 16-25 in custody prior to liberation, and on a community outreach basis, to build on their employability skills. Through their caseworkers, participants also receive holistic support and develop an action plan reflecting their interests and aptitudes.
Read on to hear about S’s experience of the project and his journey into work.
S’s story
S first connected with CashBack Passport while he was serving a short-term sentence at His Majesty’s Young Offenders Institution Polmont (HMYOI Polmont).
While still in HMYOI Polmont, S completed several training certifications with the support of the CashBack Passport project, including:
- Health and safety (REHIS)
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card
- Mobile access tower training (PASMA)
- Abrasive wheels training (NPORS)
- Vehicle and plant marshalling (NPORS)
He also prepared a CV and a letter of disclosure.
When S was released, he began working with a community caseworker.
In communities, CashBack Passport participants have access to a personal caseworker. Their caseworker works with the participant to agree an action plan, and take up activities and services to receive the widest range of support available. Caseworkers also deliver skills training, make links with employers, and guide participants to access opportunities and manage disclosure of convictions.
While trying to reintegrate into community life, S realised that his routine was unstructured compared to his days in prison. He felt a need for a positive and stable routine.
Employment and a new start
S wanted to address his boredom, and so he applied for a Level 4 NPA Professional Cookery college course. After being invited to interview, he was accepted and is due to begin the course later in the year.
With some time available before starting college, S decided to look for employment to earn some money. He was particularly interested in construction, as he had gained relevant certifications while in HMYOI Polmont. He was supported to get in touch with a recruitment agency, and began working as a PASMA operative. CashBack Passport provided a high visibility vest, hard hat, and safety boots to enable him to work on-site.
Though this job was short-term and ended after a few weeks, he quickly found a similar position with another firm and is now working five days a week.“The support has helped me a lot and if it wasn’t for the support inside and outside the jail, I prob wouldn’t be working so it’s helped me a lot thank you.”
Upon release from HMYOI Polmont, S moved back into the family home. He is successfully adjusting to life in the community, and adhering to his curfew. He is grateful for the support he received both in prison and in the community, and expressed his thanks to the staff for helping him move away from offending behaviour and reach a positive destination.
Want to learn more?
- Find out more about Access to Industry’s CashBack Passport project
- Read the 23-24 CashBack Passport Annual Report to hear more about the project’s impact
- Follow CashBack for Communities on X and Facebook
