The results are in: we helped 1,603 people start distance learning courses across 115 prisons last year!
That’s a 13% increase on 2024. In total, we funded 1,741 courses and exams for people in prison. Find out the top 10 choices here.
1. NEBOSH HSE Award in Managing Risks and Risk Assessment (RRC International) – 270 learners
This introductory health and safety qualification is number one for the fifth year in a row! Successful applications for the course increased by more than a quarter (27%).
Sajid, who we funded in September, told us what the Level 2 course means to him:
It will help me with my scaffolding business and give me a headstart. It will take me 1 year and 3 months to get my scaffolding qualifications once I am out and this will help me get a job while I learn scaffolding. Thank you!
2. NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (RRC International) – 78 learners
Holding onto second place, with 10 more learners than in 2024, this Level 3 qualification is the next step on from our most popular course and is essential for anyone who has health and safety responsibilities as part of their job, or who wants to specialise in the area.
3. Nutrition to Support Physical Activity and Exercise (HFE) – 60 learners
Moving up from fifth spot last year, this qualification offers knowledge essential for any fitness professional – giving learners the skills to analyse their clients’ nutritional intake so they can offer advice and develop their fitness programme.
Noah, who started the course in September, told us:
I’m learning a lot. Even my own personal diet has improved. The course has increased my motivation in becoming a Personal Trainer.
4. Business Start-up (NEC) – 58 learners
Rising from sixth place, with 12 more learners this year, this course helps you to plan, establish and grow the business of your dreams – with information on legal and financial issues, marketing and sales, and customer service.
5. CMI Level 3 in Principles of Management and Leadership (NEC) – 57 learners
This qualification covers everything from leading teams and managing projects to solving problems and driving performance at work. Kathy, who plans to set up a small business after prison, started the course in May. She wrote simply, “Thank you for investing in me. It is appreciated.”
6. IOSH Managing Safely (Clwyd Associates) – 56 learners
While it has fallen three places since 2024, this qualification has gained 6 more learners. The introductory course is aimed at managers, supervisors, small business owners or anyone who wants a better understanding of health and safety from a supervisory point of view.
7. Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse (NCC Home Learning) – 53 learners
This qualification is the only new entry this year, with four times as many learners than in 2024. The course covers the effects and symptoms of drug use, as well as responses including legislation, harm reduction and interventions.
Tyler, who we funded to study last September, explained the benefits:
PET has enabled me to focus and learn something I am interested in whilst in prison. It helps to have a course to focus on and add knowledge to that of ‘lived’ experience… It certainly helps motivate you and acknowledges there is light at the end of the tunnel and whilst many people turn their back on you when you come to prison, PET approved my finance and did not discriminate… There need to be more charities available like yourselves.
8. Creative Writing Part 1 (NEC) – 41 learners
Creative pursuits like art and writing are central to the wellbeing of many people in prison. This course shows you how to use the power of words to explore your thoughts and feelings and introduces the basic building blocks of fiction writing: ideas, characters, plot, setting and editing.
9. Canine Science (Open Study College) – 38 learners
Up one place from last year, this course builds your knowledge of all things canine – including anatomy, physiology, behaviour and nutrition for a variety of breeds and ages.
Kieran, who started the course in September, plans to put what he’s learned to use as soon as possible:
The course is going well. I find the material really interesting and it feels good to be working towards a goal I care about. And while it’s not confirmed yet I may have a placement doing volunteer work for an animal charity which will give me some practical experience in the field.
10. NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety (RRC International) – 37 learners
Finally, in tenth spot, it’s one of the six Level 3 health and safety qualifications we have on offer for people in prison, once they’ve completed our popular Level 2 options. This course provides the knowledge to advise on fire protection in the workplace, offering a solid foundation in specialist fire safety.
Darren, who we funded for the course in March, told us his plans for the future:
This course will benefit me when I’m in my Cat D as I’m looking to work as a health and safety / fire safety officer and I’m looking at going self-employed to work on wind turbines / offshore, writing risk assessments.
Here is the best of the rest – demonstrating perfectly the diversity of interests and ambitions of PET learners. You can read about all the courses we offer in our prospectus:
11. Fundamentals of Bookkeeping (NEC) – 35 learners
12. Understanding Mentoring and Coaching (NEC) – 33 learners
13. NEBOSH National Certificate in Environmental Management (RRC International) – 26 learners
14. Spanish (Linguaphone) – 25 learners
15. Science, Technology and Maths Access Module (The Open University) – 25 learners
16. RHS Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development (HCC) – 24 learners
17. Certificate in Counselling Skills (BSY) – 24 learners
18. Principles of British Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation (Open Study College) – 23 learners
19. Agile Project Management (CUPE International) – 23 learners
20=. Learning to Draw (NEC) – 22 learners
20=. Business Skills for the Fitness Professional (HFE) – 22 learners
20=. AAT Certificate in Accounting (Open Study College) – 22 learners
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Learner names have been changed.