Ex-offenders have the chance to rebuild their lives following the introduction of a new construction employment scheme.

Enfield recycling company Powerday’s first representative is currently on placement at client St George, a regenerator of brownfield land.

Tony Hogg completed onsite training on release, having studied formal qualification in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and a CSCS Labourer Green Card when in prison

Tony said: “This is a great opportunity for me to make a new start and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone here on site, it’s a fantastic project and I’m proud to be working on it.”

His responsibilities include waste removal, managing water leaks and erecting and dismantling fences.

Simon Little, Sales & Marketing Director, Powerday said: “We are delighted that Tony has started with us and made a great impression on site.

“This initiative will really help ex-offenders get back to work which we know dramatically improves their chances of not reoffending.

“I’m particularly happy that, once again, St George has supported our scheme and will get the benefit of motivated and well trained local candidates.

“We welcome Tony on board and wish him every success in his new role.”

The assignment Tony is working on with St George is a new 170 metre tower under construction in Blackfriars, Southwark.

Stephen Kirwan, Construction Director at One Blackfriars, St George commented: “We are delighted that following his training programme at HMP Onley, Tony has completed his courses with Powerday and is now able to undertake essential work as part of the team at One Blackfriars.

“He has been a great addition to the team and we wish him the very best of luck for the future”.

The new construction employment scheme for ex-offenders was first launched in November 2016.

It is run in partnership with social enterprise Blue Sky that works solely with former prisoners to break the cycle of reoffending by offering training and employment opportunities, and HMP Onley.

Each successful representative, like Tony, is offered a six-month contract with Blue Sky who places them within Powerday’s on-site teams.

Powerday’s new scheme comes at a time when Justice Secretary Liz Struss reemphasized the aim to reform and rehabilitate offenders.

For further information contact Powerday Enfield on 02038580504 or email: info@powerday.co.uk, or Nicki Chennells on 07545922671 or nicki.channells@gmail.com.