Amey and HMP Grampian have marked the achievements of the latest group of residents to complete industry-recognised construction training, helping them gain qualifications, develop practical skills and prepare for employment.

An awards event at the prison celebrated those who finished a tailored programme designed by Amey and delivered in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Through the Unlocking Future Connections initiative, participants access accredited training and clear pathways into roles across Scotland's construction and highways sectors.

The cohort completed an intensive six-day programme that culminated in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) test. Of the eight candidates who sat the exam, seven passed, earning a recognised qualification to support future careers in the industry.

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The scheme is already yielding positive results, with participants moving towards job opportunities and work placements. Through HMP Grampian's Community Integration Unit, individuals are gaining real-world experience and putting their new skills into practice.

Audrey Porteous, Community Employability Officer at HMP Grampian, said: "The individuals who took part in this course all had previous site experience, which allowed the trainers to discuss best practices and relate the training to real workplace situations. Due to their existing experience, the participants were more engaged and invested in completing the course.

"A pass rate of 7 out of 8 was an excellent achievement, particularly as previous CSCS tests had resulted in significantly lower pass rates. It was great to see participants fully engaged and eager to attend and complete the training."

One resident who completed the course, and asked not to be named, said: "I hope this course continues into the future so that many more prisoners are afforded the chance to be employable on release rather than falling back into crime."

Katy Bald, Senior Social Value Manager at Amey, said: "Unlocking Future Connections is about creating opportunities that can change lives. By bringing accredited training, industry insight and employment pathways directly into custodial settings, we're helping individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to build sustainable careers while supporting the future workforce needs of our industry."