In September, highway industry leaders will have the chance to learn how some companies in the sector are approaching the recruitment challenges by working with prisoners and other people in recovery to help give them a ‘second chance.’
Kent-based Solar Gates, the leading manufacturer and installer of solar hybrid barriers and gates for the highways, construction, rail, commercial and education sectors, will play host to the Southern Prison Employment Conference 2022 organised by the New Futures Network in association with the HM Prison & Probation Service.
At the conference, those leading teams in the sector will better understand how companies across several different industries are working with the prison service to help tackle employment challenges while supporting reforming prisoners.
Over the last two years, Solar Gates has extended its own ‘Second Chances’ programme, meaning 35% of its staff are either from prison or in mental health or addiction recovery.
Delegates will be able to take place in a series of interactive workshops where they will gain insight into how to integrate ex-offenders into their HR policy. This will include real life stories from ex-offenders who have turned their life around, including Solar Gates’ Production Supervisor and Highway’s Heroes award winner – Claire Bennett.
They will also hear from Annie Gale, Head of RAW Talent at Kent-based food company Cook. Its RAW Talent Programme (Ready And Working), supports people who may have spent time in prison or without secure housing.
On the same time, Solar Gates and partners SRL and Highway Care, will deliver a series of product demonstrations and showcase their latest innovations.
Last month, Solar Gates launched its new INSTABOOM Site product, meaning work sites in the highways and construction sectors will become even safer and sustainable.
The development of INSTABOOM Site, is another new approach to securing work sites and air locks that need security check-in. This robust welfare cabin, with integrated security barrier built on a forkliftable steel base platform is perfect for sites that need extra manned security and providing them with a welfare hut. The cabin comes with space for laptops and chargers for mobile phones and tablets.
INSTABOOM Site is delivered ready to work and can be up and running in minutes. It is fully solar powered so no power is necessary and therefore complies with carbon reduction and wider net zero targets. It is also portable so can be moved quickly as your worksite entrance evolves, preventing the public from entering the site and protecting workers within it.
The event takes place on September 15th at Solar Gates HQ in Kent.
To book your conference place, go to: is: https://forms.office.com/r/16ZuxWja21
