How Take2 Is Changing Lives After Prison: Cameron Smith's Mission

Give It A Nudge

In this episode of Give It A Nudge, Steve Grace chats with Cameron Smith from Take2, a company that provides individuals who have had contact with the justice system a second chance at life through a three-year tech training and employment program.
Cameron explains how Take2 offers not just technical training but also essential life skills, aiming to break down barriers and create employment pathways for those who have faced significant challenges.
Cameron shares his journey into founding Take2, his background in recruitment, and how witnessing the discrimination faced by people with convictions inspired him to launch the organisation. The conversation dives into the difficulties of getting prisons, funders, and employment partners on board, and the challenges of implementing the program in both New Zealand and now Australia.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Take2's mission: A second chance for those in the justice system
02:03 - Cameron's background and inspiration for starting Take2
03:30 - Overcoming initial challenges in launching the program
05:00 - The transformative power of employment for marginalised individuals
07:00 - Launching in Australia: Adapting the model for a new market
09:30 - Building employer partnerships and breaking down prejudices
11:15 - Success stories from Take2's graduates
13:00 - How to get involved and support Take2’s mission
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