Kier offers apprenticeships to prisoners following law change

Kier is offering apprenticeship opportunities to prisoners following a change in the law that allows convicted felons to earn money while they learn.

A new law, which came into effect this week, allows prisoners to be taken on as apprentices and Kier has been quick to take advantage.

The reform, drawn up by the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education, is designed to help reduce reoffending by increasing work and life opportunities for offenders on their release. Kier has taken on its first ROTL (release on temporary licence) apprentice into its highways division.

They said: “This opportunity means a lot to me and I was over the moon when I found out I had been successful. It gives me the chance to prove to myself, my friends, family and the wider community that I am worthy and capable of being successful. I am appreciative to Kier and the team I have worked with during this process, it has been made clear to me that my convictions aren’t a barrier to my success or progression.

“I look forward to gaining as much experience as I can during my apprenticeship and in the future I would like to stay with Kier, work my way up and hopefully gain further qualifications.”