Scotland’s first prison-based ‘Greene King Training Academy’ at HMP & YOI Grampian is celebrating as all four participants of the 12-week pilot course have been given an offer of employment in a Greene King venue, following their release.
The new partnership between the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), pub company and brewer Greene King, and Aberdeen City Council seeks to improve people’s life chances following release from prison. In its first year Greene King hope that up to 20 individuals graduate into employment on their release.
The training academy is the first time an external employer has provided prison-based training for direct recruitment of those at HMP & YOI Grampian and it’s part of Greene King’s commitment in 2022 to employ 300 prison leavers by 2025
The 12-week academy programme sees people in custody trained to work in a replica Greene King kitchen, by professional chefs and provides them with the opportunity to attain SVQ accredited qualifications that are recognised across the hospitality sector. Through a mix of classroom learning and practical sessions, they learn about food safety practices, kitchen hygiene and maintenance, allergens and Natasha’s Law, and the importance of time management and teamwork.
Assad Malic, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Greene King, said, “Working collaboratively with HMP Grampian, the Scottish Prison Service and Aberdeen City Council to install a training kitchen has been a fantastic experience, which we hope can now be replicated in other prisons across Scotland.
“As the largest pub operator in Scotland, we see first-hand the important role pubs play in communities and initiatives like this further demonstrate how pubs can drive social mobility and support people in building long careers in hospitality.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Christian Allard, said, “People leaving custody face significant challenges in securing employment.
“This partnership between Aberdeen City Council’s ABZWorks service, HMP Grampian and Greene King is a great example of how we can make a real difference to people’s lives and society.
“By working together with partner agencies and industry we are creating truly innovative and inclusive opportunities to support people into employment, ensuring no-one is left behind.”
Picture: Assad Malic, Chief communications & Sustainability officer at Greene King.