The Right Course seeks to transform staff restaurants in prisons into high street like operations / businesses using existing facilities and equipment. The restaurants are run by prisoners, gaining industry-recognised qualifications and experience. Upon release they use their industry connections and knowledge work to secure graduates jobs in the hospitality sector.
Company funding has enabled the Right Course to continue their training restaurants at HMP/YOI ISIS, HMP Wormwood Scrubs, HMP Lincoln and HMP Berwyn and enabled the development of links with HMP Styal. In 2023 these programmes have worked with 79 prisoners across these prisons, providing training and catering qualifications, alongside hospitality masterclasses from industry professionals and developing the day to day work experience of running restaurant kitchens.
These experiences have delivered clear employment benefits, with over 60% of graduates securing employment in the hospitality industry, something which has been statistically proven to reduce reoffending. The prison restaurants also deliver wider community benefits, with the Cookout restaurant at HMP/YOI ISIS providing over 250 community meals each month.
Emily Thomas, Governor of HMP Isis reiterated how “The Right Course offers a highly valuable ‘real life’ training environment within the prison. The high standard of provision and clear links to job opportunities on release has been a huge asset to overall delivery of education and skills at HMP Isis. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside The Right Course.”
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