Learning and skills

47 per cent of prisoners have no qualifications, according to The Prison Reform Trust.  

A Stride is learning and skills manager at Winchester Prison.

“All prisons are required to offer education as part of their provision for prisoners. Prisoners are assessed in maths and English with the vast majority at Primary School level.”

Skills-based training is offered too.

“There are many opportunities in prison to learn skills that are transferrable outside through practical training and on-site work. We have prison workshops where we make garments and sandbags and also offer kitchen, cleaning and maintenance work.”

Some prisoners have never worked for anyone before.

“Learning to deal with conflicting opinions without reverting to negative behaviour is a massive learning-curve for many men.”

The prison tracks the local job market to get men back into work.

“Construction workers, caterers and baristas are particularly in demand in our release area which is why we focus on developing this skill set.”

Learning boosts positivity inside a prison.

“One of the biggest impacts of learning in prison is that in a classroom or workshop the walls and bars melt away. Prisoners become equals, learning and working towards a positive goal.”