Prison Apprenticeships: Building Skills, Employment and Progression

During National Apprenticeship Week, it is important to recognise how apprenticeships can support rehabilitation, develop skills and improve employment outcomes for people in custody and after release.

At Novus, prison apprenticeships form part of our approach to education that supports learners to gain practical, nationally recognised qualifications and move into sustained employment.

What are prison apprenticeships?

Prison apprenticeships enable learners to begin a recognised apprenticeship while in custody, and either finish it or complete it in the community following release. These programmes are structured to combine workplace learning, skills development and formal training that meets industry standards, giving learners a clear route into employment.

Key benefits of apprenticeships in custody

Improved employment prospects

Learners gain accredited qualifications and workplace experience that improve their chances of securing jobs once they leave custody.

Supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending

Education and employment are linked to lower rates of reoffending. Apprenticeships give learners structure, confidence and career direction.

Meeting employer needs

Employers benefit from motivated individuals who are trained to industry standards, contributing to workforce needs in sectors such as hospitality and production.

Hospitality apprenticeship with Greene King

An early example of prison apprenticeships took place at HMP Thorn Cross in partnership with Greene King. 

The programme enabled the learner to gain practical skills and industry experience in hospitality, laying the groundwork for employment following release. You can watch an interview woth the Greene King team and the learner.

Greene King has since continued to expand its involvement, creating pathways for people in custody to gain accredited training and supporting transition into work with employer-led programmes.

Chef apprenticeship with Hydes Brewery and Total People

Novus and Total People, in partnership with Hydes Brewery, have delivered a Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship that started while the learner was in custody at HMP Risley.

The learner began the programme while in custody, developing essential culinary and production skills. After release, he completed the remainder of the apprenticeship in the community and is now employed with Hydes Brewery, continuing to progress in his role.

This example highlights how sustained support from education providers and employers can help learners transition from custody into meaningful employment.

Partnership working across the LTE Group

Novus and Total People are both part of the LTE Group, allowing a joined-up approach to apprenticeship delivery. This collaboration helps learners receive consistent support throughout their journey, from custody through to community-based learning and employment.

Working together across the group strengthens employer relationships and improves learner outcomes, contributing to sustainable careers and reduced reoffending.

National Apprenticeship Week and beyond

National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to highlight how apprenticeships support skills development, employment and workforce inclusion, including within the justice system. Prison apprenticeships offer practical benefits for individuals and employers alike, and form part of a broader strategy to support rehabilitation and community integration.

Novus continues to work with partners and employers to expand access to high-quality prison apprenticeships that support progression, employment and positive outcomes for learners.