Vocational and Technical Prison Education
Providing our learners with the industry-relevant skills and experience for their chosen career goals means they are able to move into work or further training on their release and build a positive future with a reduced risk of re-offending.
Vocational Prison Training Programmes
Our vocational and technical prison education provision includes high-quality vocational training programmes, short courses, taster courses, training workshops and experience-building opportunities, delivered by skilled and experienced tutors and trainers who are experts in their field.
Our learners work towards nationally recognised qualifications, with embedded English, maths and employability skills available for those learners who need extra support, so they can develop a holistic skill set required by employers. Employment and further training are also promoted through our delivery enabling learners to return to the community motivated, skilled, and ready for work.
Vocational Prison Education Developed with Employers
We have developed a vocational prison education curriculum that is informed and co-designed by our partner employers, so our learners and future employers can be confident they are gaining the relevant skills in their chosen career.
Our partnerships with employers mean we are able to provide real opportunities for work, apprenticeships and training on release, along with vital work experience opportunities through release on temporary license (ROTL).
Peer Support in Vocational Prison Education
Peer mentors who have already achieved qualifications or entered custody with experience and skills are empowered to support their peers in each of the work settings to achieve qualifications and make progress toward their targets and milestones.
We equip our learners with the vocational and employability skills they need to quickly move into sustainable employment when they are released, creating the foundations for a positive future.
Vocational Training for Young Offenders
A high proportion of young people released from custody re-offend within a year. Employment is a key factor in rehabilitation and reducing the risk of re-offending but can be difficult for any young person, let alone a young offender.
Novus equips children with the vocational and employability skills they need so when they return to their communities, they are motivated, skilled and ready for work.
Support for Young Offenders
Children are supported by our skilled and experienced teachers, who are industry experts in their subject, to work towards nationally recognised qualifications and gain industry-relevant skills in their chosen career path.
'Mike' builds on his bricklaying foundations
As a young teenager, ‘Mike’ worked in a groundwork crew carrying out labouring jobs, working his way up to more skillful tasks like drainage, laying footpaths and paving.
He also learnt to plaster and tile, and picked up lots of general building skills. Mike was at the point of becoming self-employed taking on lots of landscaping work, when he suffered an industrial accident, which led to him losing the sight in an eye.
The accident had a devastating impact on his life leaving Mike withdrawn and nervous about mixing with people. He slumped to the lowest point in his life, which culminated in a custodial sentence.