Recognising excellence in Welsh Sector Prisons
Rowley Lawrence, Curriculum Leader at Swansea Prison, was recently nominated for his work in the category of Reducing Re-offending by HM Prison Service. The award is in recognition of the work and effort put in by outstanding individuals working within the HM Prison Service, especially those who have worked 'above and beyond the call duty.'
Rowley served his apprenticeship in the plumbing industry and worked for several companies on heating installation and maintenance. He made the change to teaching, working on the necessary qualifications in his own time, and worked for Neath College and JTL. He joined Connaught Academy in September 2004 to become the tutor on the ESF funded plumbing training project at Swansea Prison. He is an Internal Verifier and is currently working towards an External Verifier qualification.
He is now responsible for the smooth operation of the 6129 Plumbing qualification and manages the successful expansion of other awards, such as the Construction Awards in Bricklaying and Painting & Decorating.
The plumbing course is taught within the confines of the prison. It is very intensive and challenging, as many learners have little or no formal education, often having left school with no qualifications.
Rowley relates well to the learners and encourages them to stretch themselves, giving praise for small steps forward and increasing self confidence. The groups learn to work together, pooling knowledge and helping each other with learning tasks. They also learn self discipline to complete work within timescales.
When learners are released from prison, Rowley provides them with details of colleges in their area and work references. He liaises with trainers at colleges and keeps in touch with learners to follow their progress where possible.
Seventy per cent of those released find full-time work, either employed or self-employed, and some of those are also working towards their Level 3 Certificate in Plumbing on day release at various colleges.
One student, who did not complete the course due to early release, has returned to Swansea Prison. This was not for a new offence but a breach of licence and curfew rules. His first action on return was to ask if he could get back on the course and complete it!
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