An initiative called Project ReMAKE offering ex-offenders a chance to regain a foothold on the employment ladder is running at the University of Bradford.
The nine-week programme introduces participants to the business skills needed to build, launch and sustain self-employed businesses.
The project was inspired by a similar programme in the USA, operated by Stanford University – Project ReMADE – and is designed to break the cycle of reoffending.
Seventeen people are enrolled on the first course to be run at Bradford, with classes online ahead of an in-person graduation set for late July. Successful participants go on to either set up their business or are offered employment through ReMAKE’s corporate partners.
Professor David Spicer, Director of Business and Community Engagement in the university’s School of Management, said: “ReMAKE is a programme of support for prison leavers, which has run in London but is now coming to Bradford.
“Those taking part will be given a chance to learn entrepreneurial skills with a view to turning a business idea into reality. Participation in the course is designed to show employers they have a level of commitment and the skills to become employable.”
