The Skill Mill programme to reduce the risk of violence and offending: a two-armed randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot
Prevention of re-offending by young people with an offending history with one or multiple convictions of any type of offence
The intervention (The Skill Mill) consists of a six-month paid employment, with young people (YP) working in cohorts of four (a ‘crew’) with a supervisor who works with the cohort over the full six-month period. Following the employment phase, YP receive three months of post-intervention support, which is aimed at helping them transition from The Skill Mill to a new employment opportunity or a training or educational opportunity. The Skill Mill model aims to integrate employability and practical skills training through providing short courses (up to a day in length) in the use of equipment such as basic tools and machinery and on-the-job training by the supervisor. Post-employment support lasts three months and consists of: one-on-one work with the YP to support career development and job progression; practical support such as the co-creation action plans, support with CV writing and interview coaching; and acting as an advocate for young people. Alongside practical training, The Skill Mill provides wrap-around support in collaboration with youth offending services, including therapeutic input e.g. when participants experience bereavement or trauma. The evaluation will be a two-arm, multisite, randomised controlled trial. Randomisation will occur at the level of the individual young person, stratified by the Local Authority, with allocation to the intervention and business-as-usual control using a 1:1 allocation ratio. Business as usual: Young people randomised to the control group will receive ‘business as usual’ support/services from youth offending services (YOS) and other external services according to their individual circumstances and needs. The support and interventions YOS deliver include individual and group interventions, such as anger management, victim awareness programmes, decision-making skills, and support for substance misuse. In addition, YOS work with education and training providers, with the aim of engaging YP in meaningful activity and develop
1. Aged 16-18 years old inclusive at the date of referral and date of engagement with the programme 2. Must have left school (completed year 11) 3. Offending history with one or multiple convictions for any type of offence 4. Will have received a youth justice board approved youth justice assessment such as asset plus or equivalent 5. Will be open, and active cases or and recently closed cases 6. Must be willing and able to use public transport to get to the meeting point every day 7. Must be willing to work outdoors in all weathers as well as indoors 8. Must be willing to work towards gaining the cscs construction industry green card
1. Physical impairments that would prevent them from undertaking physical work of the kind that TSM is contracted to undertake 2. Substantial mental health issues that would prevent them from engaging in sustained employment or working within a team environment with other YP 3. Gang affiliations or personal history of violence such that YOS and TSM judge their inclusion to put at substantial risk the safety of other YP and/or supervisors and pathway advisors 4. Are not involved in any other trials of interventions running concurrently