A new programme to teach prison inmates drywalling has been launched inside Westgate.

A dozen prisoners have signed up to the initiative that began in October and is expected to run for eight months.

The purpose of the project is to provide inmates with skills they can use when they are released to gain employment.

“It’s an amazing programme,” Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Lamb, Commissioner of Corrections, said.

“This course is an excellent opportunity for inmates to learn a very important trade that will greatly enhance their future employment chances.

“Additionally, this will increase the number of Bermudians who are trained in this specialised area of the construction industry.

“I am very grateful to the instructors who have generously given of their time and expertise to bring this course to fruition.

“I hasten to add my thanks to all the entities who have donated materials and tools for this course.”

The course is held every Saturday in the workshops at Westgate and is expected to run until June 2015.

At the end of the programme inmates will be fully trained in all aspects of drywall techniques.

The course is being run by two skilled professionals in the construction industry who have volunteered their services.

Each inmate has been issued with a manual on drywall techniques and is expected to complete written assignments in addition to the practical aspects of the course.

“The costs of this course are virtually nil as the instructors are offering their services without remuneration,” Colonel Lamb said.

“Also, the instructors have solicited, and received, several donations of materials and tools from various companies around the Island.”