Thanks to generous ongoing support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, 41 army veterans in prison have started distance learning courses since July 2022.
A grant of over £20,000 has allowed learners to achieve qualifications including Project Management, Creative Writing, Understanding Mentoring and Coaching, and Health and Safety for Construction.
Two-thirds of these learners told PET they were studying to increase their chances of getting a job on release. Additionally, a third were studying to make their family, partner or children proud.
One of those supported by the grant is Jordan, who gained a Certificate in National and International Freight. His aim was to develop the logistics skills he learned during nearly ten years in the army to build a career in the civilian logistics industry when he is released.
After completing his course, he wrote to PET:
Having the opportunity to study through PET has allowed me to continue my progression in a field of previous employment which has given me the confidence to rejoin my profession upon my release. I have also greatly benefitted mentally from having the goal of completing my course which has kept me focused.
Jordan added that he has a “keen interest” in returning to university-level studies, and hopes to progress to a degree in Business Logistics and Transport Management.
Another learner, Rob, is studying a PRINCE2 Project Management course – a widely-recognised method for effective project management. He wrote:
The course will further develop my leadership skills and quality that I gathered in the Army on various courses.
Rob added: “I want to grow and keep learning and evolving as a person and a leader.”
Support from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has allowed PET to provide vital learning opportunities to many veterans in prison like Jordan and Rob. Over 90% of learners funded by their most recent grant felt they were able to change their life and do something positive after release as a result of having studied with PET.
If you or your organisation would like to support PET’s vital work in prisons across England and Wales, please visit our donate page or contact fundraising@prisonerseducation.org.uk.
Learner names have been changed.