Vistry joins prisoner employment programme with Warrington factory pilot

Vistry has joined the Prisoners Building Homes (PBH) programme with a pilot at its timber-frame factory in Warrington. 

Three people currently on the scheme are now working at the site, gaining skills and work experience in manufacturing. 

The PBH programme works with housebuilders to offer serving and former prisoners a route to long-term employment, aiming to deliver 10,000 homes by 2030 and support people to move away from reoffending.

The pilot means the three participants are working alongside experienced staff, learning practical manufacturing skills that can help them build a career in construction.

Neil Lavis, employment and skills manager of the PBH, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Vistry to the Prisoners Building Homes programme. 

“Partnerships like this are vital in creating meaningful pathways into employment for people looking to rebuild their lives.

“The construction industry offers fantastic career opportunities, and by providing practical work experience and skills development, Vistry is helping to demonstrate how employers can play a positive role in reducing reoffending while addressing the sector’s skills challenges.”

Lavis added: “We look forward to seeing the impact this partnership can have for the individuals involved and for the wider industry.