Employment success at HMP Styal

A former learner at HMP Styal successfully found employment upon release with Greene King, thanks to the education and employment support she received from Novus and Novus Works whilst in prison. 

Engaging in education whilst in prison

Upon entering prison, as is required for all prisoners, this learner was booked onto an education induction with Novus, and despite being reluctant at first, she decided to attend.

During the induction, the learner found out about all the different courses Novus have to offer at HMP Styal, including hairdressing, maths, English, computer skills, art and hospitality amongst many others. Working with a Novus staff member, she completed her personal development plan where she thought about what she wanted to do and achieve and decided to sign up for the art class. 

During her time in the art class, the learner found a love of art and felt a sense of belonging working alongside peers and being supported by the art tutor in a safe and non-judgemental learning environment. Through the encouragement and support that she received in the class, the learner became an art peer mentor, helping to support other learners in the class. The learner spoke positively on the experience commenting that:

I pushed forward to becoming the art peer mentor. How? Because Novus believed in me, and I started to believe in myself again and knew I had so much to give to others!

Engaging in employment services and education to prepare for release

Through her new-found confidence and belief in herself, the learner also took part in the barista course at the Bistro run by Novus. She decided to enrol on the course as it was a brand-new skill for her to learn and a transferable skill that she could utilise upon release and enhance her employment prospects. Whilst working in the Bistro, the learner achieved her barista award, Level 2 food hygiene and her Level 2 NVQ in Hospitality services.

As well as achieving her qualifications, the learner took part in employer-led events and was motivated to accept support from Novus Works whilst working in the Bistro. Upon release, she maintained regular contact with Novus Works and was open to all opportunities offered. She attended several job interviews, impressing all potential employers and is now employed by Greene King on a part-time basis as well as working part-time at Starbucks. Both employers are extremely impressed with her and Starbucks are now looking at progressing her in role. 

Thanks to the support from education and the employment services that Novus offer, not only was this learner able to successfully find employment upon release, but she was also able to develop her confidence and belief in herself which further motivated her to change her life around and find employment upon release. Speaking about her experience, the learner shared: 

The route from prison to being out in society is to be grabbed with both  hands, take every opportunity Novus have to offer and use the support, as change really does come through and I am living proof Novus are there for you every step of the way. Honestly Novus have given me my self-belief back