Inmates at HMP Maghaberry Prison have successfully completed a four-day pilot project, funded by the Department for Communities, in digital fabrication with FabLab Nerve Centre. This is the first time, anywhere in the world, that a FabLab has been taken into a prison setting.
At the end of the week all of the eight participants were awarded an OCN Level 1 qualification in Digital Fabrication.
The hands-on workshop also provided them with transferable digital job skills, opportunities for social enterprise development as well as knowledge to match the economy outside of the prison.
Throughout the week they made use of FabLab’s range of cutting-edge equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters and vinyl cutters.
Following the successful pilot, plans are in place to further develop the programme in prisons across Northern Ireland and internationally.
Read more at Creativity NI