Offender Learning - helping offenders learn skills for work

A4e delivers Offender Learning and Skills Services (OLASS) in 32 prisons across England; working in partnership with each prison to develop tailored education and training for their offenders.

The OLASS programme is overseen by the Learning and Skills Council. A4e is working on their behalf to educate offenders and help them find employment on their release. OLASS forms a vital part of the prison reform programme and research has shown that improving the transition between offender release and their entry to employment programmes can make a significant impact on reducing re-offending rates.

Phil Hope MP, DfES Skills Minister commented at the launch of the OLASS service:

"The new  Offender Learning and Skills Service will aim to offer a seamless journey for offenders in prisons, on probation and on release by bringing together the education service with vocational training in a broader curriculum which is both flexible and centred around the needs of the individual."

A4e is the largest supplier of New Deal services, delivered on behalf of Jobcentre Plus, across the country and is therefore strongly placed to deliver this joined up service. High quality education and training is supplemented by expertise and experience gained over 20 years of delivering employment training and opportunities.

If you'd like to learn more about our approach to OLASS please click on the links below.

The OLASS curriculum
Where are our services delivered?
OLASS news

If you'd like to speak to us directly about Offender Learning then please contact Simon Newberry, Director of Offender Learning, at snewberry@a4e.co.uk