How Novus supports learners into employment after release

Marking ERSA Employability Day 2026

Employment can be one of the strongest foundations for a positive future after release. For people leaving prison, having access to meaningful work is about more than earning a wage - it can provide stability, confidence, purpose and a route away from reoffending.

At Novus, we know that employability starts long before release. Through education, mentoring, advice and strong employer partnerships, we support learners to build the skills, experience and confidence they need to move into sustainable employment and make a positive transition back into their communities.

This ERSA Employability Day 2026, we are proud to share the story of one learner whose journey shows the life-changing impact of education and employment support in custody.

Building confidence through mentoring in prison

The learner first began working with Novus in September 2024, when he started as an education mentor in prison. Working as a maths mentor, he supported other learners in achieving their qualifications while also completing his own mentoring levels through Novus at HMP Altcourse.

During his time there, he developed valuable experience in helping others learn, building his confidence and strengthening his own skills in communication, leadership and support.

When he later arrived at HMP Thorn Cross, he spoke to Elaine, Novus' Education Manager, about the mentoring experience he had already gained. Recognising both his commitment and his potential, Elaine offered him a mentor role at Thorn Cross, supporting learners in both English and maths.

Reflecting on his time with Novus, he spoke positively about the relationships he built with staff and the encouragement he received throughout his learning journey. Those relationships became an important part of his next steps.

Turning education into opportunity

As he became Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) ready, he knew he wanted to take the next step and find work outside of prison. He shared this ambition with Elaine, who encouraged him to speak to Nadine, a member of the Novus Works team who works closely with employers to create employment opportunities for prisoners at Thorn Cross.

When they first met, he asked Nadine if they could have a conversation about working outside the prison. She immediately took the time to understand his goals, his background and the type of role he might be interested in.

Initially, he explained that he was open to any opportunity that would allow him to earn money and give something back to his family for the support they had shown him while he was in prison. Through these conversations, Nadine got to know him well, including his work history, his ambitions and the strong relationships he had already built through his mentoring role with Novus.

That understanding proved vital.

The right opportunity at the right time

Soon afterwards, Nadine approached him with a role she believed would be a perfect fit. An employer partner, Cheshire Pubs, had visited the prison and was offering opportunities to people at Thorn Cross.

Nadine arranged an interview, giving the learner the chance to hear more about the company, the role and the longer-term progression opportunities available. The conversation went beyond simply securing a job. It focused on what a career after prison could look like, including the possibility of apprenticeships and further qualifications in customer service.

For the learner, that conversation was a turning point.

He described feeling unjudged and supported, and for the first time could clearly picture a stable future after release. With Nadine advocating strongly on his behalf and helping the employer understand his potential, he secured a role in hospitality through Release on Temporary Licence.

The opportunity was particularly significant because it was local to his home area, meaning he would be able to continue working there after release and build a long-term future with the company.

A new chapter after release

That opportunity became the start of a new chapter.

The learner has now been released and is proud to say that he is working as an Assistant Manager. What began as a prison mentoring role developed into a pathway towards sustainable employment, progression and a long-term career.

Reflecting on his journey, he said that he would never have been in the position he is in today if it had not been for becoming a mentor with Novus and meeting Nadine, who worked hard to understand him, support him and help him prepare for life outside prison.

His story is a powerful example of what can happen when prison education is connected to employability and employer engagement. It shows the value of seeing potential, building confidence and creating clear pathways into work that continue beyond the prison gate.

Why employability matters

On ERSA Employability Day 2026, this story highlights why employability must remain a central part of rehabilitation and resettlement. Education in custody plays a vital role in helping learners gain qualifications, confidence and transferable skills, but those outcomes are even more powerful when they lead to real opportunities in the labour market.

At Novus, we are committed to helping learners move from education into employment by combining high-quality teaching with mentoring, careers advice and partnerships with employers who are willing to recognise talent, not just past circumstances.

When people leave prison with the chance to work, progress and support their families, the impact reaches far beyond the individual. It strengthens families, supports communities and helps reduce reoffending by creating realistic, positive alternatives for the future. 

Supporting learners into work beyond the prison gate

This ERSA Employability Day, we are celebrating the learners, colleagues and employer partners who make these journeys possible.

By working together to create pathways into employment, we can help more people leave prison with the confidence, skills and support they need not just to find a job, but to build a future.

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