Skills Bootcamp in HMP Forest Bank Prison

In the summer of 2023, Zak was serving his first prison sentence in HMP Forest Bank and was keen to turn his life around on his release from custody. He had struggled with anxiety and depression and recognised that employment and a regular wage would be beneficial to him and his family upon release. When he heard about Groundwork’s on-site Skills Bootcamp training course, proving people with new skills and employment opportunities in the construction sector upon release, he signed up straight away!

During the 12-week course Zak gained a NOCN Level 2 Construction Multi-skills qualification and his CSCS card, an essential qualification for anyone working on site.

After trying out a variety of trades on the multi-skills course Zak discovered he had a passion for painting and decorating. Once he was released from custody , Groundwork supported Zak to further this passion, signposting him to a Level 2 course in painting and decorating to further develop his skills prior to starting employment.

And our support didn’t stop there, the Groundwork team continued to work with Zak to navigate challenges presented by his previous conviction, sourcing employment opportunities in the local area that didn’t require Zak to drive (as he was serving a driving ban) and that enabled him to maintain his probation requirements.

Stockport based training provider and construction company B4BOX were advertising for a painter and decorator, which fit Zak requirements perfectly. The team ran through interview techniques with Zak and supported him to apply for the role. Safe to say, Zak was overjoyed when he was successful in securing a role with B4BOX.

He added,

I am so grateful for the Skills Bootcamp and Groundwork’s support when I needed it most, not just supporting me with qualifications and employment skills but the motivational support, regular check in’s and attending probation appointments with me. They really kept me on track.

Going to prison actually provided me with more support than I’ve ever had, Groundwork provided me with a huge stepping stone in the right direction. I will never return to prison because of the help they have given me. I’m also grateful B4BOX gave me the opportunity to prove my worth. I’m really enjoying my work life and feel pleased with the progress I have made.

Groundwork is a delivering partner for Greater Manchester Skills Bootcamps. This training has been made possible thanks to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority securing funding for Skills Bootcamps. The bootcamps form part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and are funded through the Department for Education’s National Skills Fund.

* Name changed and stock photo used to protect identity