College partnership awarded learning and skills contract for Bridgend’s HMP Parc prison

A partnership between not-for-profit social enterprise Novus and Gower College Swansea has been awarded a contract to deliver ‘learning and skills’ at HMP and YOI Parc in Bridgend.

Novus Gower is a joint venture between Novus, the UK’s largest provider of education, training and employability programmes to prisoners, and Gower College Swansea, one of the largest colleges in Wales, with more than 12,500 full time and part time learners.

Gower College Swansea is one of the largest apprenticeship providers in Wales, regarded for its innovative approach to supporting people into new and better work through its Better Jobs, Better Futures programme.

Peter Cox, Novus Managing Director and Board Director of Novus Gower, commented on the venture: “We are really pleased to be working with Gower College Swansea to form the Novus Gower partnership, following the success of our Novus Cambria collaboration at HMP Berwyn. This contract provides us with the opportunity to really make a difference to the future outcomes of our learners at HMP&YOI Parc, providing them with the skills and qualifications to find job opportunities on release, which in turn reduces reoffending.

“Rehabilitation and employability skills are absolutely key to our delivery in HMP&YOI Parc. We are excited about working closely with local and national employers to provide opportunities for our learners and we’re really keen to hear from any new partners that are interested in working with us”

Mark Jones, Director at Novus Gower and Principal and CEO at Gower College Swansea said: “We are delighted that Novus Gower has been awarded the Learning and Skills contract for HMP&YOI Parc. The diversity and reach of our provision at Gower College Swansea is something I’m immensely proud of and this contract further demonstrates our commitment to meeting the broadest possible range of education, training and employment needs across south Wales.

“Through our partnership with Novus, we are bringing together not only a wealth of experience, innovation and expertise in education and skills delivery, but also a shared commitment to transforming the lives of learners at Parc through the provision of high-quality learning opportunities which maximise the chances of securing meaningful employment on release.”

(Lead image: G4S)