Minister of Corrections Judith Collins initiative to train prisoners in Christchurch in a wide range of vocational trades is to be commended, says the Employers & Manufacturers Association.

“Giving prisoners skills training is a practical response to the shortage of skilled workers Christchurch will need as the re-build gets underway,’ said Alasdair Thompson, EMA’s chief executive.

“Its also good for New Zealand in the longer term. Just as important is that prisoners will get the chance to earn a trade’s skill they can put to good use in their lives after prison for their own benefit and the nation.”