Prisoner apprenticeship scheme starts in Suffolk
It aims to reduce reoffending by offering guaranteed employment opportunities
The Co-op is launching a prisoner apprenticeship scheme it describes as the first of its kind to tackle skills shortages in the railway industry.
The programme, in partnership with City & Guilds, aims to reduce reoffending by offering guaranteed employment opportunities.
The Level 2 Rail Engineering operative apprenticeships will be based at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk.
Chief People and Inclusion Officer at the Co-op,Claire Costello, said: "Our partnership with City & Guilds Foundation demonstrates the transformative power of targeted training, employment, and genuine opportunity.
"It is great that through our levy initiative we can invest in people and equip them with skills that are in high demand, not just reducing reoffending but also helping to tackle critical skills shortages in the UK rail sector, strengthening the fabric of society.
"We're inviting other businesses to join us in pledging their unspent levy - helping to create more second chances and build a more inclusive workforce across the UK, whilst delivering lasting benefit to communities nationwide."
Kirstie Donnelly, Chief Executive Officer at City & Guilds, said: "Apprenticeships have long been one of the most effective ways to gain quality skills and sustained employment, and I am delighted with some of the outcomes already achieved through quality training in the prison estate."