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A new trade training complex at Christchurch Men’s Prison will prepare prisoners to help in the rebuilding of Christchurch, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said today.

The three workshops will provide training in plumbing, roofing and drainlaying, painting and decorating, and automotive engineering to around 130 extra prisoners annually.

Ms Collins, who officially opened the workshops this morning, says prisoners will be prioritised for training based on their upcoming release date and their willingness to help in Christchurch.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins announced today that more prisoners would receive trade and employment training to help meet the demand for these skills in the Christchurch recovery.

“The second Christchurch earthquake has generated a huge demand for trade skills as the rebuild gets underway. To meet this demand, the Department of Corrections will be ramping up trade training in the areas of highest demand,” Ms Collins said.

Inmates at the three Canterbury prisons have been put to work helping the people of Christchurch following the 22 February earthquake, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said.

Since the earthquake prisoners from Christchurch Men’s Prison, Christchurch Women’s Prison and Rolleston Prison have assembled thousands of emergency packs of food and other necessities for Christchurch residents.

Low-risk offenders on community work have also been clearing streets and helping schools get up and running.