Rise in Abu Dhabi prison inmates taking vocational training schemes

ABU DHABI // More and more inmates are taking up vocational training schemes to help them reintegrate into society when they are released, say police.

So far this year, 1,302 prisoners in Abu Dhabi Police Punitive and Correctional Institutions have signed up for the Labour Market programme, compared to 1,277 in 2013.

Police are now renewing their contract with the Higher Colleges of Technology to teach practical and professional skills.

The programme takes place over four terms, with 25 hours of attendance per week.

Those who pass are issued a conduct certificate enabling them to work in the government sector.

Colonel Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi, Director of the Punitive and Correctional Institutions Department, said new courses include chemistry and electronics, which are useful to those wishing to work for oil companies or the electricity authority.

Computer and English courses are also highly popular among the inmates. Each English class encompasses no less than 45 students of all nationalities.