That’s according to tech entrepreneur James Tweed, CEO of the Cambridge-based software business Coracle. He was reacting to the first time that prisoners have been included in National Apprenticeship Week, which runs this week (6-12 February).

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.

“Taking on prisoners as apprentices is a golden opportunity to transform lives, help society and increase skills in the workplace,” said 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 has also pointed to an important ruling by the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education in October 2022, which allows a ban on prisoners undertaking apprenticeships to be lifted.

Major brands have come on board since, with Greene King, Kier and Timpson opening their apprenticeship programmes to ex-offenders.

Plenty of challenges must be overcome, but Tweed said it is an important practical step to close the UK’s skills gap, reduce unemployment and give prisoners a better life when released.

“It’s vital that prisoners can 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,” he said.

“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.”

“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.”

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