Apprenticeships for prisoners
[edit] A UK first
ECA Member firm Kier Highways will become one of the first employers in England to offer apprenticeships to ex-prisoners.
The move comes after a change in the law which allows prisoners at open prisons to ‘earn while they learn’, and access apprenticeships with direct routes into jobs.
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.
[edit] Comment
Kier’s new apprentice said in Construction Management: “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.”
Helen Redfern, chief people officer at Kier, added: “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.”
This article originally appeared as ‘Kier to offer apprenticeships to prisoners' on the ECA news and blog site dated October 4, 2022.
--ECA
[edit] Related article on Designing Buildings
- Apprenticeship Levy transfer service.
- Apprenticeships levy.
- Building back better with apprenticeships.
- Careers in the electrotechnical industry.
- Construction apprenticeships
- ECA 2022 Apprentice of the Year Award.
- ECA apprentice secondment service.
- EIC apprentice support programme.
- Industry work placement.
- Protection for apprenticeships.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.