A former prisoner is embarking on an exciting new career in construction after training as a bricklayer while serving her time.
Maria Sara, who had been having a difficult time in her life, was jailed for an assault in 2024 and was sent to HMP Peterborough.
Eager to stay busy, she started working in the prison’s kitchens before hearing about a new bricklaying course, organised by the prison and training company Constructed Pathways, with funding from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Local Authority through its Skills Bootcamps scheme.
She said: “I heard about the bricklaying skills course and thought ‘that sounds interesting, let’s give it a go’.
“I loved it as soon as I started – It’s all mathematics, calculations, measurements, which really interests me.
“On the course I completed my Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) qualification, which you need to work on sites, which has led to opportunities for a new career on my release.”
While doing the course, Maria met Steve Coleby and Dan Edwards from Constructed Pathways, who were blown away by her enthusiasm.
“From the moment we met Maria, we knew she had the right stuff,” said Steve.
“She is hardworking, dedicated, a great communicator and loves learning new skills.
“Maria is a great example of someone using their time inside as an opportunity to grow.”
On her release, Maria was invited to speak at Building Better Futures, an event at Kings College in Cambridge, organised by Constructed Pathways and Women in Construction Anglia.
It was there she met Garry Staines, Managing Director of GSQ Brickwork, which also has its own training arm, Site Ready Solutions, who gave her a job on one of his projects in Cambridgeshire.
“Maria really stood out as very talkative and a great communicator,” he said. “What I am looking for is a really good attitude and she had just that.
“You need a CSCS card to get a job on site, which Maria had completed support from the prison, so she was very much site ready herself.
“She has been doing great on site – I’ve been getting really good feedback on how she’s been getting on. I’m really pleased with how she’s doing.
“I’m passionate about helping people and work closely with NHBC to help people with training and apprenticeships, giving people a second chance and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
Maria said she was keen to show former prisoners that their past doesn’t have to define the rest of their lives.
“I want to show people there is still hope and a future for them,” she said. “Life doesn’t end if you make a mistake.
“Prison is often seen only as a place of punishment, but it can also be a place of opportunity.
“When we invest in these programmes, we are investing in safer communities, reduced recidivism and stronger families.
“Most importantly, we are investing in women who are ready to turn their lives around.”
For more information on Constructed Pathways and its training courses, see constructedpathways.com