Now, even convicted felons can bring home the bacon while they are still behind bars. That’s because convicted bank robber, Reuben Reynolds, just became the first prisoner to be give a paid apprenticeship while still serving time.
A Shady Past
Convicted of being part of a four-man gang which used stolen pick-up trucks to rip ATM machines from their posts during a five-month spree, Reynolds was jailed for a four year term in November of 2009.
Now, Reynolds is being offered a second chance. He’s being allowed to leave his cell at HMP Lincoln five days a week to work at the housing firm The Gelder Group as a £3.60-an-hour trainee builder.
Reynolds will return to his cell each night and will continue to be monitored by the Prison Service. He is also not allowed to spend any of his earnings until he is released from prison.
The Gelder Group
A spokesman for The Gelder Group said, “He’s a very lucky boy. He’s determined to turn his life around and get back on the straight and narrow. He will be closely monitored by us and the Prison Service. He’s got too much to lose if it goes wrong. He will be working on our new build house and insurance and renovations so homeowners will be told and have the choice to say no if they wish.”
He continued, “But Reuben has already been working for free on work experience and no one has had any problems.”
Mike Johnson, the group training manager for The Gelder Group said, “It is the first time ever it has been done and we’re proud Gelder Group has been selected to pilot and manage it…We want to give them the best chance to find employment. We want to help them get back into the community and get back on track…What we’re trying to do with this scheme is show that there is value in taking on inmates and past prisoners. We are motivated by a passion for training people and getting them back into the community.”
The company has the goal of extended the training program to 150 prisoners by the year’s end.