Kier to offer apprenticeships to prisoners

Kier has become one of the first employers in England to offer apprenticeship opportunities to prisoners, following a change in the law.

The law changed this month (October) to allow prisoners at open prisons to earn while they learn. That means they are now able to access apprenticeships with direct routes into jobs.

Kier will be taking on the first ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence) apprentice, into its Highways business. It will work in partnership with Inside Connections, a Community Interest Company, to provide support and mentoring to their apprentices.

Other employers taking part in the scheme are Greene King and Timpsons. From 2025, the scheme is expected to be rolled out to up to 300 prisoners, who are out on license and nearing the end of their sentence.

The Kier ROTL apprentice said: “This opportunity means a lot to me and I was over the moon when I found out I had been successful. It gives me the chance to prove to myself, my friends, family and the wider community that I am worthy and capable of being successful. I am appreciative to Kier and the team I have worked with during this process. It has been made clear to me that my convictions aren’t a barrier to my success or progression.

“I look forward to gaining as much experience as I can during my apprenticeship and in the future I would like to stay with Kier, work my way up and hopefully gain further qualifications.”

Helen Redfern, chief people officer at Kier, said: “At Kier, we’re committed to having a more diverse workforce, with colleagues who have skills from a range of backgrounds; reflecting the wider community. This pioneering scheme allows us to diversify our workforce further, whilst benefitting prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentence, as well as reducing the likelihood of reoffending, benefitting communities across the country.

“Being one of the first employers to take part in the scheme builds on the work we have already done through Making Ground, our prison engagement and employment programme, which is designed to support serving prisoners and prison leavers into sustainable employment in the construction industry.”