Scottish Prisoners Trained for Careers in Roadworks as Employment Scheme Expands

A pioneering programme helping prisoners develop road maintenance skills before release is being rolled out across Scotland, creating new pathways into employment while supporting the country's growing infrastructure needs.

The initiative, known as Unlocking Future Connections, is being expanded to a further 15 prisons following a successful pilot at HMP Inverness. The scheme is being delivered by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and infrastructure services provider Amey, with £245,000 of funding from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The programme aims to equip prisoners with practical skills that can help them secure employment immediately after release, reducing barriers to work and supporting efforts to cut reoffending rates.

Participants receive training in a range of highway maintenance activities, including the installation and operation of temporary traffic management systems such as portable traffic lights. The training reflects the increasing demand for skilled workers across Scotland's roads sector as investment in repairs and maintenance continues to grow.

Scotland's road network has faced mounting pressure in recent years, with calls for increased funding to tackle deteriorating road conditions and improve infrastructure resilience. As a result, the demand for trained highway maintenance operatives is expected to rise significantly.

Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray welcomed the expansion of the programme, highlighting the importance of employment opportunities in supporting rehabilitation.

"Helping people gain valuable skills and move into work after leaving prison is a vital part of reducing reoffending and supporting safer communities," he said.

The expansion reflects a growing focus on creating meaningful employment pathways for prison leavers while helping industries address ongoing workforce shortages. By connecting training directly to employment opportunities, the scheme aims to deliver benefits for both individuals and the wider economy.

With the programme now being introduced across much of the Scottish prison estate, significantly more prisoners are expected to leave custody with recognised skills and a clearer route into long-term employment.