'John' Finds Employment After Release

Novus takes great pride in helping offenders to gain the self-worth, purpose and motivation they need to make a significant contribution to society, putting them on course for a successful introduction to the world of work.

‘John’ is an ex-offender and engineer who got his current job thanks to the close working relationship Novus develops with businesses. 

One of our employment brokers met with an employer at a business event, where he mentioned that he had been looking to add an experienced engineer to his team. The possibility of employing an ex-offender was discussed, and both parties agreed to keep the dialogue open.

The employment broker then met with armed forces charity SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). The charity was working with former HMP Northumberland learner John, who was previously an engineer in the army.

The Story

An interview and work trial was arranged following discussions between the employment broker, SSAFA, the employer and John, and the trial proved to be successful. John was offered a permanent role with the firm. He is now able to plan a future, which is something that he did not feel he was able to do. He is thinking of going back to college to gain further qualifications and to develop his career further with the support of his new employer.

John says: “I felt that I was wasting all of the training that I had received while being in the army, as if those years had been wasted and that I was letting them down – my family and myself.”

Thanks to Novus finding me this job I now feel that my life has not been wasted and I intend to go back to college and gain further qualifications. Hopefully I can make my family proud of me.