The Clink Charity identifies first candidates for in-prison apprenticeships in partnership with HIT Training


The Clink Charity has identified the first students who will take part in its new apprenticeship programme, run in partnership with HIT Training. This will be the first time that apprenticeships have been delivered to serving prisoners.

While many of these students have already been working in Clink training schemes and studying towards industry standard hospitality qualifications, the apprenticeship programme provides an additional pathway to employment which is linked to vocational training.

On release, candidates will then work towards full completion of the course and their apprenticeship. Part of the study also includes a minimum level of English and maths, which is a condition of completion.

Students will also receive support and mentoring from The Clink’s regional support team. This level of support includes, but is not limited to, assisting with benefits, housing, reintegration and relocation as well as many other aspects such as food, accommodation and childcare.

This support ensures learners are given the help they need to reintegrate successfully into society on release – and are matched to a job that fits their skills and lifestyle.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “Apprenticeships are crucial to giving people from all backgrounds, no matter their circumstance, the chance to climb the ladder of opportunity while addressing skills gaps and helping to grow our economy.”

“So, it is brilliant news that The Clink Charity are beginning to embrace apprenticeships, transforming lives, and creating second chances for inmates. The Clink Charity understand that providing opportunities to all will help us build a skills nation, I hope more follow their lead.”

Yvonne Thomas, Chief Executive of The Clink Charity, said: “We are so excited to be working alongside HIT Training to deliver this fantastic new scheme that has the potential to transform people’s lives.

“People in prison are looking for ways to embrace change and start again – and this programme allows them to do just that, by securing employment with a national employer on release.”

Jill Whittaker, Executive Chair at HIT Training said: “HIT Training is delighted to be working in partnership with our friends at The Clink to support prisoners into apprenticeships.

“We believe that careers change lives, and that those people undertaking these special programmes will leave prison with a career to look forward to. We have been working toward our first prisoner apprenticeships with The Clink for some time, and simply can’t wait to get started!”


HIT Training Ltd named “Learning Provider of the Year” at the 2025 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

HIT Heroes Award Winners Announced for 2021

Meet our six Salon Culinaire apprentices!

Chopping Boards to Boardrooms: The Benefits of Apprenticeships at Any Career Stage

HIT Training Ltd Wins Excellence in English and Maths Skills Development at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards

The Importance of a Mentor for Apprentices

The Newt in Somerset Unveils ‘Elevate’ – A Bespoke Hospitality Academy in partnership with HIT Training

How to Inspire Young People to Choose a Career in Hospitality

HIT supports new platform to promote pub and hospitality careers

It’s official – our SEND pilot is now permanent!

Medals All Round for our Fired Up Four!

Free online assessment to help employers shape their workforce

HIT Training Ltd Embarks on the Journey to Net Zero with Planet Mark Certification

How to Minimise Kitchen Food Waste

The Future Hospitality Workforce: What Will it Look Like Following COVID-19?

Making 2022 The ‘Year of Retention’

Three Ways to Keep your Staff Motivated and Inspired During Lockdown 3.0

Flavour of Success at The Restaurant Show

Supporting Employers During the Economic Recovery

HIT celebrates new tri-nation partnership

Championing Change in Functional Skills

Flexi-apprenticeships are the Answer to the Dwindling Hospitality Workforce

HIT Training Named in Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for

Omicron and COVID Plan B Update

Budget Reflections: Key Impacts on Skills and Training

HIT’s exciting brewing competition is back for 2024

Leading the Way: Long Awaited Production Chef Apprenticeship is Launched

Apprentice Drew Dawson Crowned Winner of Toque D’or® 2019

An Industry Collaboration

There’s No Age Limit to Invaluable Training

The Power of Adding Plant-Based to your Menu

New Hospitality Academy Launches to Tackle Industry Challenges and Raise Service Standards

The Real Barrier to Exceptional Hospitality Isn’t What You Think

Access Global Opportunities for Your Apprentices

HIT Celebrates Hospitality Day

Culture of Craft – The Rise of the Craft Apprenticeship

Winners of Fired Up and Un-Tapped Apprentice Competitions 2023 announced

Sam Dixon takes the top spot in Young National Chef of the Year

What we Can Learn from the Industry About Infection Control

Rising stars of the UK culinary scene revealed for Young National Chef of the Year final

HIT Training Ltd moves to employee ownership

HIT Training Apprentice Becomes First to Achieve New Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship

The Opportunity Provider and Scrumptious Marketing Announce Strategic Employer Branding Partnership

Harness the Power of Plant Based: One Bite at a Time

Don’t Waste: The Future of Hospitality

Functional Skills: The Cornerstone of Apprenticeships

What employers need to know about new funding rules

Future-Proof Your Business and Save Big: National Insurance Savings for Employers of Apprentices Under 25

Update to our company name

Introducing the Executive Development Network (EDN)

Introducing the New Normal for HIT’s Apprenticeship Delivery

Employee-owned training group signals long-term commitment to UK skills with new name

How to Overcome Misconceptions and Unleash Employee Potential

Three Signs your Employees are Reaching Burnout – and How to Support Them

Alex Angelogiannis wows judges to take top spot in National Chef of the Year competition

HIT Training Wins Award for Championing Social Mobility Through Apprenticeships

HIT Training Recognised at the Foodservice Cateys 2018

What Are Flexible Apprenticeships?

HIT Launches New Fish Friers Apprenticeship

Entries now open for the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards 2025

The Apprenticeship Levy One Year on

Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase 2021 goes Online

Working together with the New Government

New Graduate Apprenticeship Launched to Build Future Hospitality Leaders

HIT Training Ltd. Publishes White Paper on Apprenticeship Reforms and Workforce Development

HIT Training Ltd Signs New Business Drive to Help The Nation Through COVID-19 Crisis

Research Reveals a Positive Change in Perceptions of Hospitality Careers

Industry Collaboration Launches Talent Hub to Inspire and Retain Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals

How to Solve Your Staffing Problems with Apprenticeships

Women in beer are brewing up change

HIT Heroes Winners Unveiled in Celebration Event

HIT Heroes Award Winners 2022

Developing an Apprenticeship Strategy

National Inclusion Week 2024: Why Impact Matters in Apprenticeships

HIT Training Ltd Earns Prestigious Gold Membership in The 5% Club

HIT Training Offers Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship to Drive Business Improvement

Crunch Time: Over Half of Hospitality Businesses Risk Losing their Apprenticeship Levy Fund

Train your staff through hospitality apprenticeships

HIT Training Ltd strengthens its board with four new Directors

HIT Training Ltd announces new Managing Director Mike Worley

Gravetye Manor chef takes the top spot in Young National Chef of the Year

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

Join us for a summer of learning at HIT Training!

HIT Training Recognised at the TES FE Awards 2018

Sodexo partners with HIT to gift £250k of levy to support hospitality apprentices

Managing Stress Levels in the Midst of a Global Pandemic

Election priorities: Fixing the apprenticeship levy by Jill Whittaker OBE

Mental Health Awareness Week – Dealing with Anxiety

HIT Training Launches Suite of Training Courses and Workshops to Upskill Hospitality Teams

HIT Training Receives Matrix Accreditation

A Listening Ear Makes All the Difference: World Suicide Prevention Day

HIT Training Elevates Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion by Becoming Patrons of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance

Hospitality Unites to Launch New Graduate Apprenticeship Programme

HIT Heroes Award Winners 2023

Integrating Plant Based Food into your Menu

New National Chef of the Year is unveiled in front of industry elite

A Year of Achievement: HIT celebrates its first year under employee ownership.

‘The Super Six’ Unveiled

Two HIT Apprentices Make MasterChef Finals

HIT Training Ltd Welcomes Government Reforms to Functional Skills and Shorter Apprenticeships

Sign up to news, events and great resources