New Employability Programme Launches to Support Women in Prison into Hair and Beauty Careers

At Novus, education is about more than qualifications. It is about creating real opportunities, building confidence, and supporting individuals to move forward into meaningful employment. That commitment is at the heart of a new initiative at HMP Styal, designed specifically to support women in prison into sustainable careers within the hair and beauty industry.

A New Pathway from Prison Education to Employment

We are delighted to announce the launch of a bespoke employability programme, with the first cohort of Hairdressing and Beauty learners recently beginning their journey. This innovative course reflects the growing importance of aligning prison education with real employment pathways, helping individuals prepare for life beyond release.

The programme has been carefully designed to bridge the gap between learning and work. Participants are not only developing technical skills, but also gaining the confidence and practical knowledge needed to secure employment or pursue self-employment opportunities after release.

Industry Partnership Driving Real Opportunities

A key strength of this initiative is the partnership between Novus Foundations for Change and The Glamour Garage, a respected employer in the hair and beauty sector. By working directly with industry professionals, the programme ensures learners are gaining relevant, up-to-date skills that employers are actively seeking.

This collaboration creates clear and realistic career pathways. Learners are supported to explore a range of opportunities including:

• Self-employment and starting their own business
• Rent-a-chair salon opportunities
• Direct employment within established salons

This employer-led approach is vital in reducing reoffending and improving long-term employment outcomes.

A Flexible and Supportive Learning Experience

The 12-week programme combines classroom-based learning with distance learning, making it both flexible and accessible within a prison environment. Learners also receive tailored one-to-one coaching and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs in the sector.

The curriculum focuses on practical employability skills, including:

• Starting and managing a business
• Building professional confidence
• Understanding the hair and beauty industry
• Developing client-facing and entrepreneurial skills

In addition, ongoing employment support is provided by our Novus Works Account manager, Nadine Parry, ensuring learners are guided every step of the way as they prepare for release.

Building Confidence and Independence

Speaking about the programme, Traci Witherington, owner of The Glamour Garage, highlighted the deeper impact of the initiative:

“This programme is about self-belief and opportunity. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to start their own small business, we’re helping them build confidence, independence, and a fresh start for life beyond release.”

This focus on confidence and independence is central to effective prison education, particularly within the women’s estate. When learners believe in their abilities, they are far more likely to succeed in employment and maintain positive life changes.

Supporting Rehabilitation Through Skills and Employment

Louise Gibbons, Education Manager, emphasised the role of education in reducing reoffending:

“Our learners have shown real commitment to building their skills for a career in the hair and beauty industry. Having achieved nationally recognised Level 2 or 3 qualifications, they are now taking the next step by learning directly from successful entrepreneurs. This programme supports them to develop the confidence and employability skills needed to create a positive, independent future and reduce reoffending.”

This highlights a key principle of modern prison education: qualifications alone are not enough. True rehabilitation comes from combining skills, support, and clear employment opportunities.

Transforming Lives Through Prison Education

This new programme demonstrates how targeted education and strong employer partnerships can transform lives. By focusing on employability, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Novus is helping women in prison build sustainable futures and break the cycle of reoffending.

As the demand for skilled professionals in the hair and beauty sector continues to grow, initiatives like this ensure that learners are not left behind. Instead, they are empowered with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed.

Through programmes like this, Novus continues to lead the way in prison education and employment support, proving that with the right opportunities, a fresh start is always possible.