Raeburn Training is proud to be supporting the continued growth and success of the Unlocking Future Connections programme across Scotland’s prison establishments, helping individuals in custody develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to move towards sustainable employment.
As the dedicated training provider for the programme, we work closely with the project lead, Amey, a global infrastructure company, and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to develop and deliver training opportunities that create meaningful pathways into employment within the traffic management, highways and construction sectors.
Delivered as part of a two-year contract, Unlocking Future Connections has been designed to create long-term impact by combining employer engagement, practical learning, accredited training and sustainable employability support. From the beginning of the programme to now, the focus has remained clear: to help individuals in custody better understand the opportunities available within industry, gain relevant qualifications, and build the confidence required to take positive steps towards employment on release.
Through collaboration with partners across multiple regions, the programme ensures participants have access to first-class, industry-relevant learning and progression opportunities that can support positive futures beyond liberation.
The programme also reflects Raeburn Training’s wider commitment to supporting initiatives that address skills shortages across the traffic management, highways and construction sectors. By providing accessible, inclusive and rewarding training, the programme creates real opportunities for individuals while supporting the needs of employers, communities and the wider industry.
Phase 1 of the Unlocking Future Connections programme has now been successfully delivered across five prison establishments.
Pioneered by Amey through secured CITB funding and developed collaboratively with the Scottish Prison Service and Raeburn Training, the programme introduces participants to opportunities within the traffic management, highways and construction sectors through employer engagement, interactive sessions and practical demonstrations. These sessions have been supported by Amey’s suppliers, including Breedon, Hatton Traffic Management and Speedy.
As part of Phase 1, individuals in custody have the opportunity to engage directly with employers and industry representatives, gaining valuable insight into career opportunities, workplace expectations and the skills required to succeed within the sector.
These employer-led sessions help participants better understand the range of roles available, while also building confidence, motivation and awareness of the steps required to progress into future employment.
Recent deliveries at HMP Low Moss and HMP Barlinnie have continued to demonstrate the value of connecting individuals with employers and industry professionals. By bringing employers directly into custodial settings, the programme helps bridge the gap between custody and employment, giving participants the opportunity to explore realistic career routes and begin planning for their future.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the programme so far has been the enthusiasm and commitment shown by participants throughout each stage. From engaging in employer-led discussions and practical demonstrations to progressing onto accredited training, candidates have approached the programme with a positive attitude and genuine determination to develop new skills.
Their willingness to learn, ask questions and prepare for future employment opportunities highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways into industry.
Following the engagement activities delivered through Phase 1, selected participants progress onto Phase 2, where the focus shifts towards practical skills development and industry-recognised training.
At HMP Inverness, eight residents successfully completed Phase 2 of the programme, achieving qualifications in:
Since completing their training, all eight HMP Inverness participants have also successfully passed their CSCS tests, allowing them to progress towards gaining their CSCS cards, which are essential for working in construction in the UK.
This achievement marks an important milestone for the programme and demonstrates the real impact that structured training, partnership working and learner commitment can have. For the participants, gaining these qualifications and passing their CSCS tests not only strengthens their employability but also helps build confidence in their ability to succeed within the workplace.
It is a positive example of how the Unlocking Future Connections programme is supporting individuals to move from initial engagement and awareness through to recognised qualifications and employment readiness.
The success of Unlocking Future Connections is built on strong partnership working.
By bringing together employers, industry partners, the Scottish Prison Service and training providers, the programme creates opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible to individuals in custody.
Raeburn Training’s role extends beyond delivering courses. We work closely with partners to coordinate training provision across establishments, ensure training remains aligned with industry requirements and support participants throughout their learning journey.
This collaborative approach helps create a clear progression pathway from initial employer engagement through to accredited training, skills development and employment readiness.
Through these partnerships, participants are equipped not only with qualifications but also with the knowledge, confidence and understanding needed to pursue sustainable careers beyond custody.
As part of the programme’s long-term sustainability, Raeburn Training is also supporting the creation of a legacy beyond the initial two-year programme. To help achieve this, we are working with Employability Officers across the prison estate to develop their capability to deliver CSCS test preparation in-house.
This support includes the donation of software licences, training materials, workbooks and presentation resources, alongside coaching and guidance to equip SPS staff with the knowledge and confidence to continue supporting future participants.
By embedding these resources and skills within the prison network, the programme can continue creating opportunities for individuals long after the initial delivery period has ended.
From the start of the two-year contract to now, Unlocking Future Connections has continued to demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when employers, training providers and public sector partners work together towards a shared goal.
The programme has introduced individuals in custody to real career opportunities, supported practical skills development, delivered industry-recognised training and helped participants take meaningful steps towards employment readiness.
As the programme continues to progress, Raeburn Training remains committed to supporting individuals in developing the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to access meaningful employment opportunities.
Unlocking Future Connections demonstrates the value of bringing industry engagement and accredited training directly into custodial settings. By reducing barriers to employment, developing workforce skills and creating positive futures for individuals preparing for release, the programme continues to make a meaningful contribution across Scotland’s prison estate.
We are proud to be supporting Amey and the Scottish Prison Service through this collaborative programme and look forward to continuing to support its growth across Scotland, helping more individuals gain the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to build successful futures.
