HMP Barlinnie has joined Amey’s Unlocking Future Connections scheme, extending the prison-to-employment program to Scotland’s largest prison as part of a rollout across 15 sites.
£245,000 from the CITB Industry Impact Fund backs the initiative, which aims to cut reoffending while easing labor shortages in highways and construction.
The program starts with employer-led confidence and careers sessions, then moves participants into accredited training and job pathways linked to roles at Amey and its supply chain.
78 people across five prisons have already taken part, with early cohorts moving into further training and two securing permanent jobs in the sector.
When ex-offenders fill labor gaps, what ensures their long-term career growth beyond just an initial job?
Is mandated 'social value' genuinely breaking the reoffending cycle or just helping companies win government contracts?
With only two jobs from 78 participants, can these programs truly solve the construction industry's labor shortage?