The Prison Apprenticeship Pathway (PAP) aims to introduce more people to the hospitality industry. The project identifies those who are within three months of release who might be suitable for an apprenticeship when they get out of prison.

Adele Oxberry, chief executive and founder of Umbrella Training, said: “With our wealth of experience in the apprenticeship space and Forward’s history of supporting individuals to build positive and productive futures, we look forward to supporting prison leavers to gain apprenticeship qualifications and forging sustainable careers in the industry.”  

The PAP is being delivered in three prisons over the next two years: HMP isis in London, HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Highpoint. It will support 100 people with at least 50% starting an apprenticeship in the hospitality sector.  

As part of the programme participants are offered opportunities in prison, including:

• Masterclasses with trainers and employers on a range of hospitality topics
• Support to access prison jobs or Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) in hospitality
• Help to prepare and submit apprenticeship/job applications
• Meetings with employers to find out more about hospitality apprenticeships and setting up initial interviews
• Support in the community to attend interviews and start apprenticeships, as well as wider pastoral and holistic support
• Opportunities to join Forward’s peer support network, Forward Connect

Asi Panditharatna, executive director of employment services at Forward, added: "This innovative new programme will enable prison leavers to access exciting apprenticeship roles and careers in the hospitality sector.”