Updated: Oct 22, 2023 06:21 PM

Looking forward: curriculum teacher Iman Gibbons, left, provides steering to 2 Westgate inmates, alongside BTIA chairman Rick Richardson, far proper (Photograph provided)

Employment prospects for inmates on the island’s three correctional amenities have been given a lift by way of the introduction of a brand new coaching programme.

The Cisco Networking Academy offers a skills-to-jobs curriculum that delivers expertise training by fostering collaborations between the private and non-private sectors and implementing workforce growth initiatives.

The Department of Corrections teamed up with the Bermuda Technical Institute Association to get the course up and working and “revolutionise rehabilitation” on the island.

The BTIA, which is an affiliate of Cisco, is offering the course with none price to the Government.

Rick Richardson, the chairman of the BTIA, mentioned: “In partnering with the ministry and, more specifically, the corrections staff, we can help to fulfil the ultimate goal of providing significant educational opportunities to those who are incarcerated.

“As applied sciences are altering at breakneck velocity, the entry to the worldwide programs supplied by CNA will present alternatives and lifelike avenues for these individuals to proceed to progress once they return to society.

“Our association has spent several years advocating for the broad teaching of the trades and, by extension, the STEM curriculum to improve the lives of our young men in particular.

“After a number of strategic planning classes with keen corrections personnel and the Commissioner, and with enter from these incarcerated, we thought the Cisco on-line worldwide programme might be one of many elements in an enhanced instructional programme inside the prisons.

“We are pleased to have visionary educator Iman Gibbons, a STEM advocate based in Bermuda, guiding and supporting this curriculum.

“Mr Gibbons brings a various ability set that features knowledge science in organic programs, bilingual communications and important computational considering.”

“We are thrilled to embark on this revolutionary partnership with the Bermuda Technical Institute Association,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, about a partnership offering inmates a chance to gain IT qualifications.

The programme began in September with an introductory course covering CNA basics and computer fundamentals.

Following the introductory module, students can tailor their educational journey, exploring diverse avenues within the Academy, including coding and programming.

Mr Weeks said that education was an important component of rehabilitation.

He said: “By providing Cisco Networking Academy programs, we’re equipping inmates with expertise that may considerably improve their prospects of changing into productive residents upon re-entry to society.

“The Department of Corrections and the BTIA are confident that this collaborative effort will reduce recidivism rates and foster positive change within Bermuda’s correctional system.”