Amey Expands Employment Programme to Scotland’s Largest Prison

Infrastructure services provider Amey has extended its prison-to-employment initiative to HMP Barlinnie, Scotland’s largest prison, as part of a wider effort to reduce reoffending and create new pathways into the construction and highways sectors.

The expansion of the Unlocking Future Connections programme marks another milestone in a nationwide scheme designed to equip people leaving custody with the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to secure long-term employment.

Tackling Reoffending Through Employment

Research has consistently shown that stable employment is one of the most effective factors in reducing reoffending rates. However, many individuals leaving prison continue to face significant barriers when attempting to enter the workforce, including limited qualifications, gaps in employment history and a lack of industry connections.

Amey's programme aims to address those challenges by connecting participants directly with employers and training providers before their release, creating clearer routes into meaningful work opportunities.

The initiative is supported by £245,000 from the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) Industry Impact Fund and is being delivered in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), alongside industry organisations including Speedy Hire, Hatton Traffic Management, Breedon and training provider Raeburn.

Building Skills and Industry Connections

The programme operates through a structured two-stage approach.

Participants initially take part in employer-led engagement sessions designed to introduce career opportunities, improve confidence and provide a better understanding of the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Those who complete the first phase can then progress into accredited training programmes that lead towards industry-recognised qualifications and potential employment opportunities within Amey and its wider supply chain.

The model is intended to provide a direct pathway from custody into work, helping participants become job-ready while simultaneously addressing recruitment challenges facing the industry.

Early Successes

Since its launch, the programme has supported 78 individuals across five prison sites.

According to Amey, several participants have already progressed into further education and training opportunities, while two individuals have secured permanent employment within the construction and infrastructure sector.

The company believes these early outcomes demonstrate the value of combining skills development with direct employer engagement.

Expanding Social Value

The addition of HMP Barlinnie significantly broadens the programme's reach. As one of Scotland's largest custodial facilities and a key reception prison serving courts across the west of the country, the site offers the opportunity to engage with a substantial number of individuals preparing for release.

Amey says the expansion aligns with its wider social value objectives, which focus on creating employment opportunities, supporting community resilience and helping individuals overcome barriers to work.

Addressing Industry Skills Shortages

The programme also arrives at a time when many construction and infrastructure employers continue to face ongoing skills shortages.

With an ageing workforce and increasing demand for skilled labour across transport, highways and infrastructure projects, employers are increasingly exploring non-traditional recruitment routes to attract new talent.

Industry leaders argue that initiatives such as Unlocking Future Connections not only support social mobility and rehabilitation but also provide businesses with access to motivated individuals seeking long-term career opportunities.

Supporting Positive Change

The Scottish Prison Service welcomed the expansion, highlighting the role employment plays in helping people successfully reintegrate into society after release.

By strengthening links between prisons, training providers and employers, the programme aims to simplify the transition from custody into work and provide participants with realistic opportunities to build sustainable careers.

As the initiative continues to expand across the UK prison estate, it represents a growing recognition that rehabilitation and workforce development can go hand in hand, delivering benefits for individuals, employers and communities alike.