Finding new pathways through prison education

The role of Novus Works in securing employment

Arriving in 2016 with no previous experience of the justice system, one of our Novus learners made sure to apply himself during his time inside. He spent his four years in prison working hard and putting his previous banking career experience into peer mentoring programs.

For the final seven months of his sentence, the Novus Works advisor was able to secure a position in factory processing. Although this job was well below his capabilities, it allowed him to support his family until he was released.

Employers clearly appreciated this as very soon after release he applied for, and received, a position as a work coach at the Department for Work and Pensions. 

“When The Novus Advisor forwarded me details of a job advert for the DWP I immediately showed interest and now - two months later - I’m sat at their amazing office in central Leeds! I’m loving the training I’m receiving and can’t wait to start my job and make a difference to people’s lives!”

Our learner’s success in this role has encouraged other prison leavers to apply for similar roles. It has also gone far in showing to the DWP that ex-prisoners can be reliable and trustworthy members of the team, and in turn they have advertised other vacancies with our Novus Works team.

The goal of prison education

A year on and he is now working as a dedicated prison-leaver work coach and is a deputy team leader for three teams. He works hard to ensure that ex-prisoners like himself are supported into work and education settings.

This amazing work could not be achieved without the input from our Novus Works team, who guide our learners into fulfilling careers post release. If you’d like to learn more about the work we do, why not read more about Novus Works or get involved?