The POA Learning link Centre at HMP Full Sutton near York has proved to be a popular port of call for Officers looking for training solutions at the establishment, and in one case, Scott Close, Centre Manager was contacted by Prison Officer Steve Cook who was looking for some specific training due to his recent temporary promotion to the Prison kitchens.

Steve was aware of the offerings of POA Learning having taken advantage of the distance learning courses in the past, but he was looking for something that was not on the usual list of courses as he was interested in training that covered Hospitality and Catering to help improve his skills and knowledge in his new role.

This was the first request that the centre had ever had for this subject, but after researching several local colleges and training providers, a fully funded level 2 apprenticeship course in Hospitality and Catering was found which was a perfect fit for Steve as it was a work placed assessed course so there was no need to travel to a college to attend classes on set times and days.

Also, accessing a college would have proved extremely difficult for Steve due to his personal and work commitments which include a varied shift pattern.

Another benefit for Steve was that the course was flexible and could be tailored to meet his needs and fit his current role.

With the enrolment complete, Steve is now undergoing the Level 2 apprenticeship course and is looking forward to improving his confidence and further building upon the skills and knowledge he has already acquired to date.

Steve is just over a month into the course and said:

The staff at the Learning Centre have always been extremely friendly, helpful and are always patient and understanding of my individual issues and needs.”

He feels this course will benefit his career in the long run saying:

I feel studying this qualification will allow me to understand my role better and improve my confidence. I am also hopeful that it will help me secure a permanent position within the catering department at HMP Full Sutton.”

With the support of Centre Manager Scott Close and the local Union Learning Rep Nicola O’Brian, Steve was quick to praise their support: “I would like to say a big thank you to Scott and Nicola at the Learning Centre for all the support they have provided to date.”

Scott said:

I am happy to have been able to help Steve with this course, and would like to congratulate him on all his achievements to date and wish him the best of luck in permanently securing his current position at HMP Full Sutton.”