Unlocking vocational skills in prisons through virtual learning

Vocational learning in prisons plays a vital role in developing essential skills, improving employability, and reducing reoffending. Research from the Prisoners’ Education Trust shows that individuals engaged in education while in custody are more likely to secure employment and less likely to reoffend within a year of release. Sectors such as construction face acute labour shortages, with an estimated 225,000 additional workers needed by 2027, particularly in hands-on roles that demand practical experience. However, vocational training facilities are often limited by space and facilities within the prison.

Novus aims to address both challenges by using virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to deliver immersive, secure vocational training environments within prisons. In partnership with two prisons, and an extended reality (XR) technology specialist, successful delivery of the project will enable prisoners to develop practical skills through step-by-step, risk-free simulations in fields such as construction and logistics. The immersive format will support engagement, enhance digital literacy and cater to neurodivergent learners, while bridging the gap between prison-based education and real-world employment.

This project offers a scalable, innovative approach to improving rehabilitation outcomes, increasing job prospects, and directly responding to national skills shortages. By aligning prison education with employer needs in high-demand sectors, the solution has the potential to transform both individual futures and wider workforce capacity.