Construction firm Kier is one of the first employers in England to offer apprenticeship opportunities to prisoners.

Announced earlier this year, the law changed this month, meaning that prisoners at open prisons will be able to take advantage of apprenticeships, giving them access to high-quality apprenticeships with direct routes into jobs with leading employers.

The scheme is designed to support prisoners to gain the skills needed to secure employment after they are released, assisting their rehabilitation and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Kier, which has a regional base in Quedgeley and is the main contractor on Gloucester's The Forum, will be taking on the first ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence) apprentice, into its Highways business.

Helen Redfern, chief people officer at Kier, said: "At Kier, we're committed to having a more diverse workforce, with colleagues who have skills from a range of backgrounds; reflecting the wider community. This pioneering scheme allows us to diversify our workforce further, whilst benefitting prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentence, as well as reducing the likelihood of reoffending, benefitting communities across the country."

Andrea Jenkyns, skills minister, said: "This ground-breaking change to the law will not only help us to rehabilitate offenders, it's also plugging the skills gap for the future.

"Apprenticeships give employers dedicated new workers in sectors like construction and hospitality and it's great to have such high-profile companies sign up to help prisoners turn their life around through work and training."

The Kier ROTL apprentice said: "This opportunity means a lot to me, and I was over the moon when I found out I had been successful. It gives me the chance to prove to myself, my friends, family and the wider community that I am worthy and capable of being successful. I am appreciative to Kier and the team I have worked with during this process, it has been made clear to me that my convictions aren't a barrier to my success or progression.

"I look forward to gaining as much experience as I can during my apprenticeship, and in the future, I would like to stay with Kier, work my way up and hopefully gain further qualifications."

Other employers taking part in the scheme are Greene King and Timpsons.

From 2025, the scheme is expected to be rolled out more widely, offering up to 300 prisoners, who are out on license and nearing the end of their sentence, the chance to transform their lives and get a head start to a brighter future.