Commit a crime for free skills training

John East

I remember over forty years ago, as a teenager, seeing a report describing a scheme for convicted yobs in which they got to rebuild old bangers and then take them banger racing. In those days the thought of ever achieving car ownership was a distant dream and I was somewhat confused by the mixed messages I was receiving. But then, I was only a stupid teenager, what did I know.

Jennie

Oh dear! We don't want ex-offenders having qualifications that might lead them to getting jobs instead of returning to crime, do we?

John East

Jennie, what a wonderful world you inhabit. A world where society improves when we give a free pass to plumber, electrician, and mechanic training as a reward to those who commit crime, whilst denying the same opportunity to honest kids since there are only so many apprenticeships to go around. I wonder if you would follow the logic of your perverse psychology by giving the less attractive career opportunities to shoplifters and vandals whilst reserving the really plum jobs for those who commit the most violent crimes like mugging old age pensioners. Anything less would mean disadvantaging those most in need of your help.

Jennie

John East, I am not advocating 'rewarding' criminals by giving them skills training after their convictions. Rather, I see it as expedient to give cons without skills the skills necessary to get jobs. Thus reducing the potential number of future shoplifters, vandals and muggers. And of course a hypocritical government should make enough training available to 'honest kids' instead of blaming the victim, i.e. decrying large numbers of unemployed young people when these haven't a hope of getting off the dole without skills training.