Providing different routes into employment across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire

Employment is a key factor in the successful rehabilitation of prisoners and studies show that prison leavers who find employment after release are less likely to reoffend. At Novus we provide employment support to learners through our Novus Works team. 

Alongside prison employment support, the Novus Works team also supports learners into employment upon release by acting as the middle ground between our learners and employer partners, creating a vital link from education to employment. 

By helping to develop an education offer in conjunction with employer partners, Novus are perfectly positioned to make sure that our vocational courses provide prison learners with the skills that employers need, giving them the greatest chance of finding employment upon release. 

Across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, our Novus Works team have recently been working hard to support learners into work via different employment routes, working collaboratively with employer partners. 

From Release on Temporary License (ROTL) placements to Full Time Employment upon release at HMP Thorn Cross

Finding a work placement whilst on ROTL is a great way for learners to find employment opportunities. Not only are they able to go to work whilst in prison and gain the skills and work experience needed for full-time employment, but they are also able to make connections with employers, giving them a better chance to find employment upon release. 

Below are a couple of examples of learners from HMP Thorn Cross who have managed to successfully find employment upon release thanks to the ROTL placements that they worked in whilst in prison.  

ROTL placement to full-time employment with Greene King

A former learner from the catering course at HMP Thorn Cross worked for Greene King full-time whilst on ROTL. As his release from prison was imminent, the learner was offered a full-time position with Greene King in Scotland with live in accommodation to support his release plans and probation. He is still working full-time and doing well with his rehabilitation.   

ROTL placement to full-time employment with CARA Bricks

A learner who completed the Brick work course at HMP Thorn Cross was offered a full-time ROTL position with CARA Bricks where he continued to work until he was released. The former learner continues to work at CARA full-time and has remained out of custody.  

Providing employment opportunities through The Marston's academy at HMP Liverpool

Recently, two catering learners from HMP Liverpool who successfully completed the Marston’s Academy whilst in prison have found employment upon release with Marston’s thanks to the skills they developed on the course.   

The Marston’s Academy otherwise known as the ‘Lock Inn’ is the kitchen academy located within HMP Liverpool, equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to join Marston’s as trained chefs upon release.  The academy is a collaborative project between Marston’s, Novus and the prison, with Novus providing the education within the industry standard facilities. 

The academy not only equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to work in Hospitality/Catering but also gives them the opportunity to go into full-time employment upon release.  

Two of the learners who have successfully completed the Marston’s Academy have been selected for full-time employment with Marston’s upon release. One of the learners was offered a full-time job as a chef at one of the Marston’s establishments and the other learner continues to work for Marston’s full-time as a chef at another Marston’s pub/restaurant.  

If you are interested in employing prison leavers, please get in touch via our website or social media channels. To keep up to date with our good case studies and learner outcomes, take a look at our news section.