Work can play a fundamental role in providing valuable skills and qualifications that help prisoners get a job once they are released. As part of the induction process, each prisoner's suitability and preference for work is assessed.
Throughout their stay in prison, prisoners' achievements and needs are recorded and monitored to ensure that, as far as resources allow, each prisoner follows a constructive work plan. Educational and training needs are considered and may allow prisoners to attain recognised qualifications, for example National Vocational Qualifications.
Type of work available
The type of work available varies in each prison depending on the availability of resources and security and control requirements. Normally, work is available in industrial workshops and/or land-based activity units. Work undertaken in these units is varied and can provide skills in trades such as: textiles, engineering, woodwork, printing, data entry, plastic moulding, component assembly, computer aided design, desk top publishing and employment offering practical training in rural activities, fresh produce production, protected cropping, amenity horticulture and landscaping leading to formal qualifications.
Other work is available within the prison, such as catering, cleaning and general building and maintenance work.
Pay
Rates of pay vary depending on resources, the amount and type of work available at each prison.
