Prison Learners Get Local Businesses Placement After Release

Over the course of a year, as many as 55,000 people will be released from prison and re-enter their communities. With that many people re-entering their communities, it’s often hard to track the journeys of our learners as they progress on into employment.

We’re always excited then, when former learners write to us to give us updates on their progress. Recently, we’ve had feedback from two learners, one from HMP Lancaster Farms and the other from HMP Kirkham, who have gone on to work in their communities thanks to the input and dedication of our education team on site.

From HMP Kirkham to a role in the rail industry

While the learner was at HMP Kirkham, his tutors noted that he took full advantage of every opportunity that he could, completing the Level 2 P&D course, PTS course and his CSCS course, amongst other courses. 

Thanks to our partnership with Crown Paint, when the learner left HMP Kirkham in March 2023 he was identified as someone to receive one of the Crown Paint start up packs. His plan at the time was to work in Painting and Decorating until he could find placement working in the rail sector. 

Recently, our education team was contacted and given an update. Since leaving prison, the learner had found part time work as a painter, providing him an income to support him before he subsequently continued to work locally for a rail company.

“Thanks for teaching me all the skills, because I wouldn’t be able to get this far without them”.

HMP Lancaster Farms learner working in hospitality

The day after he left HMP Lancaster Farms, a learner reached out to our Employer Account Managers for help in setting up an interview for a chef role at a hotel. The former learner was offered the role of breakfast chef during the initial interview and was invited to begin immediately.

The learner, who we previously worked with at HMP Lancaster Farms, has contacted us since to thank us for the skills and training he was provided during his time in prison. Following on from this great placement, the hotel has worked with us again to provide employment to a former Novus learner, showing the quality of training and rehabilitation that we are providing to prison learners.

“Without the support of the Novus team, I would not be where I am today with a job to look forward to starting and prospects to move forward within the hospitality industry”, said the learner in his latest update.

Congratulations to our learners for achieving such amazing success, and well done to our Novus Works and education teams for inspiring our learners to work hard.

If you’d like to provide opportunities for our learners to change their lives, get in contact with the Novus Works team.