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The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Industry Impact Fund has awarded Amey £245,000 to support the delivery of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) training programme.
Set to launch on 26 February at HMP Inverness, the two-year initiative, will bring accredited industry training and employment opportunities directly into SPS establishments, helping individuals prepare for life beyond custody.
This new programme aims to reduce reoffending by creating clear pathways into sustainable employment, while addressing critical skills shortages across the highways and construction sectors. It builds on the success of Unlocking Future Connections, an Amey and SPS led initiative designed to equip people in custody with recognised qualifications and practical experience.
The programme delivery will be supported by supply chain partners including Speedy Hire, Hatton, and Breedon, who will provide equipment, expertise, and route-to-work opportunities. Tailored training, provided by Raeburn, will cover areas such as traffic management, construction equipment operation, and street works, leading to industry-recognised qualifications including Lantra (land-based and environmental qualifications), CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme), NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme), and NRSWA Street Works certification.
SPS will support the programme delivery in a custodial setting and provide national governance to ensure smooth delivery and participant success.
Sarah Angus, Director of Policy at SPS, said: “We know that those leaving custody can face significant barriers in entering the workforce and this is often why people struggle to break the cycle of offending. Across our prisons we provide a range of training and employability programmes to ensure individuals in our care can gain new skills, broaden their experience and better prepare them for the world of work. We are delighted to have Amey as a trusted partner and together we can support individuals to make positive changes to their lives and to successfully contribute to their communities on release.”
Roddy Clark, Business Director for Amey in Scotland & Northern Ireland, said: “We are excited to launch this initiative, and the trust placed in us by SPS and CITB is a testament to Amey’s strong track record in delivering effective programmes that reduce reoffending. We look forward to seeing the success stories that will emerge across Scotland’s prisons as individuals gain new skills, confidence and opportunities for a fresh start.”
Vanessa Freeman, Head of Grant and Funding Products at CITB, added: “This was a strong application that the whole panel was in support of approving. The training developed as part of this project will help employers with how to engage with prisons, helping individuals back into work. We are proud to support this important initiative, which changes lives and positively impacts communities.”
