An awards ceremony held at HMP Grampian on 1 October recognised the achievements of participants who completed a bespoke construction training programme developed by Amey and delivered in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Through the Unlocking Future Connections programme, prisoners are provided with accredited training and clear pathways into employment across Scotland’s construction and highways sectors.

The latest cohort completed an intensive 6-day training programme, culminating in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) test. Of the 8 participants who sat the assessment, 7 achieved a pass, gaining a recognised qualification that can support future careers in the industry.

The initiative is already delivering positive outcomes, with participants progressing towards employment opportunities and work placements. Through HMP Grampian’s Community Integration Unit, individuals are gaining valuable real-world experience and opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills.

Audrey Porteous, community employability officer at HMP Grampian, said: “The individuals who took part in this course all had previous site experience, which allowed the trainers to discuss best practices and relate the training to real workplace situations.

“Due to their existing experience, the participants were more engaged and invested in completing the course. A pass rate of 7 out of 8 was an excellent achievement, particularly as previous CSCS tests had resulted in significantly lower pass rates. It was great to see participants fully engaged and eager to attend and complete the training.”

One resident who completed the course, and asked not to be named, said: “I hope this course continues into the future so that many more prisoners are afforded the chance to be employable on release rather than falling back into crime.”

Katy Bald, senior social value manager at Amey, said: “Unlocking Future Connections is about creating opportunities that can change lives. By bringing accredited training, industry insight and employment pathways directly into custodial settings, we’re helping individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to build sustainable careers while supporting the future workforce needs of our industry.”