I found this article a while back. Interesting reading. Did anyone realise that we were training probationers that night.
The bit highlighted in red annoys me most.
A great match - and probation won
A great match - and probation won
Although Accrington Stanley lost 3-2 to Premier League opposition Newcastle United, it was a great evening and testament to West Yorkshire Probation Trust and its partners' commitment to protecting the public, reducing reoffending and supporting offenders to gain additional skills to help them into employment.
In partnership with Acorn Centre Todmorden, West Yorkshire Probation (WYP) enlisted Cliff Edens of RPL Safety Consultancy to run certificated Stewarding and Events Management training for 10 offenders through an LSC Skills for Jobs funded course run by the Acorn Centre. The training was put into practice on 25 August at Accrington Stanley’s home Carling Cup clash with Newcastle. Current and former stewarding trainees who are, or have been, under WYP supervision joined other stewards to ensure the 5,000 fans enjoyed the match in safety.
The stewarding course has been very successful. Former graduate, Gino, now works regularly for RPL Safety Consultancy at a variety of sporting and leisure events – and Gary was encouraged to stick with this line of work, a real positive as he has a young son to help provide for.
Mike Schultz Safety Officer for Accrington Stanley Football Club said they are: "very pleased to help these offenders gain experiences and skills to get back into work. We believe in people having a second chance and this scheme helps to give offenders a fresh start."
Cliff Edens, RPL Safety Consultancy, added: “I am impressed with the offenders’ commitment to the work and I have now employed a number of them at outdoor events throughout the summer. There are a number of jobs in the security industry and I really hope that the students will be successful in their applications.
Today, they all worked really hard in difficult situations. One of the students helped the Police take a struggling prisoner to the van. He liked that feeling, being on the right side of the law!”
Richard Milczanowski, WYPT Skills for Work Officer is delighted with the project and partnership: “Without doubt we have established good working practice between our respective organisations as we have now completed the third cohort of learners, who have achieved a national level 1 qualification in stewarding.”
The offenders who have finished their probation supervision are undertaking a National Vocational Qualification Level 2 in Matchday Stewarding through Accrington Stanley FC.