Amey secures £245k funding to boost skills and cut reoffending in Scotland’s prisons

Amey secured £245,000 from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Industry Impact Fund to support delivery of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) training programme. 

The two-year scheme will start on 26th February at HMP Inverness, aiming to bring industry training and employment opportunities into SPS establishments.

The programme will help people in custody work towards employment after release and address skills shortages in the highways and construction sectors. 

It builds on the Unlocking Future Connections initiative, which gives people in custody recognised qualifications and experience.

Sarah Angus, director of policy at SPS, said: “We know that those leaving custody can face significant barriers in entering the workforce and this is often why people struggle to break the cycle of offending. 

“Across our prisons we provide a range of training and employability programmes to ensure individuals in our care can gain new skills, broaden their experience and better prepare them for the world of work. 

“We are delighted to have Amey as a trusted partner and together we can support individuals to make positive changes to their lives and to successfully contribute to their communities on release.”

Delivery will be supported by supply chain partners, including Speedy Hire, Hatton and Breedon, who will provide equipment, expertise and route-to-work opportunities.