8point3 LED provides vocational training for young offenders to construct energy-efficient LED lighting

Oct. 27, 2014
8point3 LED, manufacturer of market leading, energy saving LED solutions to a wide range of public and private sector customers, is partnering with offenders at HMP/YOI Isis to enable them to bring energy efficient lighting to the Prison and beyond.

As well as training offenders in the construction of the latest in LED lighting, the HMP/YOI Isis Prison Industries vocational training programme, will also benefit the wider prison community. Once constructed, these state-of-the-art, highly energy efficient 8point3 LED lights will be installed throughout HMP/YOI Isis and potentially the wider prison network.

Ashley Bateup, MD of 8point3 LED explains why the company has become involved in the LED workshops: “LED lighting brings amazing energy efficiency and low running costs to any building. We wanted to help HMP/YOI Isis make the most of this technology in a way that they could afford, as well as giving something back to our local community. As well as enabling the prison to save money on electricity and maintenance bills for years to come, the prisoners will also learn a valuable and highly employable skill and, if successful, the scheme will be extended so that other prisons can benefit from lighting made here at HMP/YOI Isis.

“We are training the team in the construction and testing of our LED lights, to ensure that our exacting quality standards are maintained and we will also be on hand longer-term, to help with any technical questions. It really is a fantastic opportunity for both the prison and the offenders alike.”

Deputy Mayor for Crime and Police, Stephen Greenhalgh said: “Too many young people who leave London’s prisons go on to reoffend, so we have to do more to make their time inside purposeful and give them the chance of going straight after release. The Governor and staff of HMP Isis have shown real commitment to training and work schemes that equip young offenders with skills to help them gain employment and this new project is another great example of that. We hope projects like this will improve the prison regime, cut reoffending and help prevent future victims of crime.”

Niall Bryant, Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMP/YOI Isis comments: “This is a truly exciting partnership. We are very proud of this initiative and are extremely grateful to 8point3LED for the company’s commitment and demonstration of corporate social responsibility, investing in reducing the reoffending rates of convicted young men from within London.

“This is an incredible opportunity for those in our care to undertake Industry level training and increase their skill set, which in turn will certainly improve and develop their employability potential on release.”

Contact:

Richard Whitbread - 8point3 LED
+44-01322-629750

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