Most prisoners have access to educational courses and training while in prison. The objective is to help them gain skills and qualifications that help them find employment when they are released. Research has shown that prisoners who gain employment after release are much less likely to re-offend.
These courses are run by the Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit, which was established in April 2001 to improve the quality and quantity of learning skills in prison.
The unit works in partnership with the Department for Education and Skills and the Prison Service and has been operational since April 2001.
