'I was scared to leave prison and break the cycle'
Former prison inmates said their lives were "transformed" by a new project which offered them a job after release.
HMP Highpoint near Haverhill, Suffolk, in partnership with City and Guilds, launched the programme to teach inmates how to maintain railway infrastructure back in August 2022.
Once inmates are released, they then have a job lined up working in the industry that hopefully deters them from re-offending.
Ryan Hull and Othman, former inmates, said the programme has given them a sense of relief.
Mr Hull, 31, initially didn't apply for the programme after thinking he wouldn't be accepted.
"It was quite a nice feeling because it guaranteed me a job," he explained.
"There was the anxiety of going to go back to the same lifestyle [once out of prison]
"When you live a certain lifestyle for so long it's hard to break the cycle.
"It offered me a different route away from that."
Mr Hull has already had great success in his employment.
He worked on the tracks for about six weeks before he was then promoted to a labour manager looking after 250 men.
"The railway has so much progression and so many different routes," Mr Hull added.
Life is "completely different" he said from how it was before he went into prison.
"The money you earn is yours and you don't have to worry about a single thing because everything is above board and you are doing the right thing."
Othman, 39, joined the programme in September 2022 just after it launched but experienced tough competition.
"It was very popular as it was new at the time," he said.
"I thought this was a step for me to go down the straight route and not come back to prison."
Othman said he had "a lot of anxiety" about leaving prison but the course left him "relieved".
"I was able to meet employers and I studied the course, learnt the skills so upon release it was all up hill," he added.
Othman now works on the Euston railway line and said life was "peaceful".
"It's the best thing ever, I wouldn't change it and I can't see myself ever going back to my old lifestyle," he said.
"The peace that you get when you know that you're doing right and my family is proud and happy for me."
Alex Pond is the executive director of training at City and Guilds that offers vocational education and apprenticeships.
Mr Pond said City and Guilds had noticed a space in the rehabilitation industry that could improve the UK's skill shortage.
"At first it was quite difficult because there was no funding and the industry wasn't really engaged," he explained.
"But through breaking down doors and communication we quickly realised there was an appetite both in society and the industry."
Since August 2022, 107 inmates have completed the programme and 87 of those are still in employment.
Mr Pond said the success in the rail industry has prompted them to consider other industries including construction and electrical.
"Three weeks ago I was coming out of a classroom in this very prison and a prisoner stopped me to say he had been in for 18 years," Mr Pond continued.
"He said this was the first time in 18 years that he had been given hope and he completed his course and he's now working on the railway.
"I am very proud."
Lisa Wheeler is the land-based activities manager at HMP Highpoint and the staff member who interviews the inmates for the programme.
She said when the inmates know they are getting employment on the outside "they take it more seriously".
"They know when getting out it is security for them," she said.
"It gives them a sense of pride - they're proud they've done the course, they're going out to work and they are providing for their family."
Ms Wheeler said the programme was so popular, inmates from other prisons have visited to take part.
"It's about someone believing in them and saying, actually, you can do this," she continued.
"A lot of the men at the end of the course say thank you, but I didn't do anything.
"I just gave them the tools to use and to better themselves and get a job."
Follow Suffolk news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
