A groundbreaking construction training programme at HMP Styal has successfully seen its first group of women complete the course, marking a historic milestone for the UK’s female prison estate.
The initiative, led by not-for-profit procurement company Procure Plus in partnership with City & Guilds, aims to equip women in custody with valuable, industry-relevant skills, opening doors to employment opportunities upon release.
The ten-week property maintenance bootcamp delivered by Rosscon Training, which included hands-on training and industry-recognised qualifications, has now concluded, with participants demonstrating newfound confidence and skills in construction and property maintenance.
A ‘Meet the Employer’ event took place as part of the programme, allowing trainees to connect with potential employers and explore opportunities for work on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) and upon release from custody.
“The construction course was an amazing opportunity, and I really enjoyed it! I’ve learnt some amazing skills and opened so many new doors for a better future,” said Kirsty, one of the women who completed the course.
“My future looks more positive and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice. Rob was an amazing tutor, he was patient, understanding and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you so much!”.
Lauren Nolan, Prison Employment Lead at HMP Styal, said:
“This is a landmark moment for HMP Styal and the women who have completed this programme. Seeing the women gain confidence in their skills and take real steps towards employment is incredibly rewarding.
“We are grateful to Procure Plus, City & Guilds, and all our partners for their support – we look forward to seeing how the course will make a meaningful difference and support the women with sustainable career pathways.”
Mike Brogan, Chief Executive at Procure Plus, said:
“This is about creating opportunities for women who are too often overlooked in industries like construction.
“The success of this first cohort demonstrates that with the right training and support, these women can thrive in roles they may never have considered before.
“We look forward to seeing them progress into employment and will continue to work on developing initiatives that break down barriers in the sector.”
Plans are already underway for future bootcamps, ensuring that more women at HMP Styal have access to high-quality skills training and life-changing career opportunities.
