National Apprenticeship Week takes place this week and it is the first time prisoners have been included. Entrepreneur James Tweed urges all involved to see the potential in training those with criminal records
Educating and training prisoners could cut crime and reduce the UK’s skills gaps, a tech entrepreneur says.
James Tweed, CEO of Cambridge-based Coracle which provides laptops to prisoners, says it is essential that apprenticeship providers consider working with prisoners.
Also, he points to an important legal change made in October 2022 when the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education lifted a ban on prisoners undertaking apprenticeships.
Since then major brands such as Greene King, Kier and Timpson have opened their apprenticeship programmes to ex-offenders.
“Taking on prisoners as apprentices is a golden opportunity to transform lives, help society and increase skills in the workplace,” says Tweed.
“This gives them something practical to work towards, which is a huge part of ensuring they can realise better life outcomes. Including prisoners in Apprenticeship Week is a great step towards reducing reoffending and boosting their employability.”
Tweed says there are hurdles to be overcome when taking on apprentices from inside a prison but says it is a practical step towards closing the UK’s skills gap and reducing unemployment.
“Day release prisoners can go to work placements but those inside can also undertake training. Having worked in over 50 prisons and met hundreds of prisoners, I think employers might be surprised at just how enthusiastic some prisoners can be when offered the opportunity of a better life.”
“It’s vital that prisoners are able to learn and better themselves during their sentences. Apprenticeships are a great way of doing this, allowing them to boost their chances of employment when they’re released.”
“Apprenticeships offer prisoners the chance to use their time in prison for the better. Those who take part in apprenticeships can learn new skills and experience what professional life might look like on the outside, when they re-enter the workforce.”
Coracle is one of the very few companies in the UK authorised by the Ministry of Justice to provide inmates with internet-free computers, on which they can complete modules for their apprenticeships.
