A prison initiative aimed at reducing reoffending and addressing the construction skills shortage, led by Amey and Scottish Prison Service (SPS), has been expanded to HMP Barlinnie.
Delivered with industry partners including Speedy Hire, Hatton Traffic Management, Breedon, and Raeburn, the Unlocking Future Connections programme supports participants to build skills, develop confidence, and access employment opportunities.
The initiative has already supported 78 individuals across five prisons, with early cohorts progressing into further training and two securing permanent employment opportunities across the sector.
Forming part of a nationwide programme rolling out across 15 prisons, the programme is backed by 245,000 in funding from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Industry Impact Fund.
The programme is delivered in two phases. It begins with employer-led engagement sessions designed to build confidence and provide careers insight, before progressing participants into accredited, industry-recognised training and employment pathways aligned to real opportunities within Amey and its supply chain. This approach creates a clear pathway from initial engagement through to work-ready status.
Katy Bald, senior social value manager at Amey, and programme designer, said, “We are proud to be trusted by SPS to bring this programme to HMP Barlinnie, building on the success we have already seen through earlier delivery.
“As Scotland’s largest prison and a key reception site for individuals entering custody from courts across the west of the country, this is a significant opportunity to deliver real impact and help break the cycle of reoffending.
“It is incredibly encouraging to see the programme gaining momentum, and we look forward to continuing that progress as it expands to more prisons.”
The expansion to HMP Barlinnie marks a further step in scaling the programme across the UK, delivering meaningful social value by supporting people with lived experience of the justice system into sustainable employment, reducing reoffending and helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Lynsey Weston, learning, skills, and employability manager at SPS, added, “We know that those leaving custody can face significant barriers in securing employment, 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. Working together, we are determined to streamline the path to employment for those leaving custody and support them to make positive changes to their lives.”
