Prison Work Experience: Helping Reduce Reoffending

For many prison leavers, the transition back into society can be challenging, particularly when it comes to finding stable employment upon release. At Novus, we believe in unlocking potential through education, skills development and meaningful work experience whilst in prison.  

One of the most impactful ways to reduce reoffending and support rehabilitation is through providing learners with real-world work experience before their release.  

Prison work experience 

Work experience whilst in prison, provides individuals with the opportunity to develop key industry-relevant skills, improve confidence and establish a sense of routine and purpose. From industrial workshops and catering roles to logistics and digital skills programmes, prison work experience placements mimic real-life work environments, preparing learners for employment upon release. 

At Novus, we work in partnership with a range of employers to deliver practical work opportunities that support our learner’s rehabilitation journeys. These placements not only build technical skills but also encourage soft skills such as teamwork, timekeeping and communication, qualities that are highly valued by employers across all sectors.  

Working collaboratively with G4S to provide employment opportunities for learners 

Novus Gower has been working in close partnership with G4S to deliver meaningful work experience opportunities that prepare learners for employment upon release. Learners who have completed the bricklaying qualification are gaining hands-on experience by contributing to the construction of a new delivery bay on-site, a project that allows them to apply workshop-taught skills in a real-world setting. Supported by the achievement of CSCS cards, this initiative enhances learners’ confidence, practical abilities, and employability. 

The project has already received positive feedback from participants and is seen as a model of effective rehabilitation in action. Due to its success, plans are in place to expand the programme into other vocational areas, such as painting, decorating, and carpentry, offering even more learners the chance to gain valuable work experience before release. 

Importance of employment for prison leavers 

Securing employment for prison leavers is extremely important for several reasons: 

• Breaks the cycle of reoffending – Employment plays a pivotal role in the successful rehabilitation of prison leavers. Many prison leavers fall back into offending due to the barriers they encounter upon release (lack of job opportunities, lack of support, financial issues etc.) however, finding a steady job can give someone a reason to stay out of trouble, providing both the incentive and structure to make better choices.  
• Financial stability and independence – Many prison leavers are released with little or no money and no savings. Employment is a crucial lifeline, it provides the income needed for individuals to pay rent, buy food, support children and cover day-to-day living costs. Stable employment gives prison leavers financial stability and independence, reducing the dependence on benefits, family or risky/illegal sources of income.  
• Purpose, routine and identity – Prison life is highly structured and losing that routine on release can be overwhelming. Employment provides daily structure, which helps with mental health and gives people a reason to get up in the morning. This sense of purpose is crucial for staying focused and moving forward.  
• Positively impacts self-worth and confidence – Many people with convictions struggle with shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. Finding employment helps rebuild that confidence and self-esteem. Being trusted with responsibilities and valued as a worker shows them, they can contribute to society.  
• Supports mental health and wellbeing – Work reduces boredom, isolation, and stress. Having goals, achievements, and social interaction at work helps people feel more stable and emotionally healthy.  
• Rebuilds identity and reputation – Employment allows an individual to redefine how they see themselves, not as an ex-offender, but as a colleague, worker, team member, or provider. It helps repair relationships with family, friends, and communities who see positive change in action. 

The benefits of employing prison leavers 

While often overlooked, prison leavers can bring unique strengths to the workplace, offering a range of benefits that make their employment not just a social good, but a smart business decision. Here are a few reasons why: 

• Loyal, motivated, employees - Many employers report that prison leavers are amongst their most committed and hard-working staff. 
• Access to untapped talent – With skills ranging from construction and catering to logistics and digital technologies, prison leavers bring a wide range of abilities to the workplace.  
• Reduced recruitment costs – Employers can benefit from various government incentives, training support and reduced turnover by employing prison leavers.  
• Increased workforce diversity – Hiring from diverse backgrounds, including those with criminal convictions, can strengthen work force dynamics, improve innovation, and reflect a company’s commitment to inclusion.  

Work experience in prison is not just a prison programme; it’s a pathway to lasting change. It gives individuals the confidence, skills and mindset they need to move forward and make better choices, as well as equipping learners with the relevant skills and experiences needed to thrive in employment upon release.  

For employers, it offers the opportunity to make a real difference, while gaining reliable and enthusiastic team members. 

In order to have a direct and tangible impact on reducing reoffending and building safer communities, employment must be part of the solution. And that journey often begins with meaningful work experience behind the prison gates. 

If you'd like to learn more or are interested in working with us to provide new and innovative opportunities to learners, contact us today!