Acorn by Synergie is asking construction businesses in Wales and the South-West to help people with convictions turn their lives around – and tackle their own skills shortages at the same time.

The recruiter has launched a new scheme in partnership with three Welsh prisons and HMP Bristol to offer those nearing the end of their sentence the potential to secure meaningful employment in the construction industry.

The Reconstruct Programme supports people in the last 12 weeks of their sentence, who have shown willingness and an interest in securing a construction role, to equip themselves with the motivation and practical skills they need to re-enter the world of work.

The brainchild of Lawrence Beach, client development director for Acorn, the new scheme already has the backing of UK construction companies including Bouygues UK, Willmott Dixon, ISG and BAM Construction, alongside support from homeless charity The Wallich.

Monthly visits from the Acorn by Synergie team to HMP Swansea, HMP Cardiff, HMP Prescoed and HMP Bristol will take the form of face-to-face sessions establishing the skills, motivations and geographical areas relevant to individuals attending the Reconstruct Programme ahead of their release.

Businesses looking to play their part in the scheme are invited to do so at no cost and without any obligation to employ anyone via Acorn by Synergie, as part of the UK recruiter’s commitment to further supporting sustainable job opportunities for under-represented groups through its Acorn Building Services division.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which provides proof individuals have the correct training in place for the work they will be doing, is now also being delivered within prisons, meaning candidates looking to get into construction are leaving with a full qualification in place.

Acorn by Synergie is trading name of Acorn Recruitment. Established in 1992, Acorn by Synergie rebranded in January this year. It has more than 30 branches and on-site locations across Wales, the South-West, the Midlands and the North-West of England, as well as Australia.

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