Ending up in prison is something I should never have done, it’s something I never imagined would happen in my life. Because I was convicted where the offence took place, knowing I was going to prison miles away from my partner and my family, I thought I’d lost everything.
Every day I’d be taken to the warehouse and taken back to the prison at the end of my shift. By the end of my sentence, I’d already gained a huge range of experience working across the different departments of the warehouse – learning how to operate a fork-lift truck, working on the floor checking the stock, the behind the scenes clerical work.
It was so important to have a job immediately after being released, because I was really worried about finding work with my conviction, it helped so much that I had a routine, and I was able to save my wages while I was inside, so I had something to help me and my family when I was released. A lot of lads come out with nothing and then they’re back in prison again.
At first I was a little apprehensive at the thought of an apprenticeship, it had been many years since I had left school or been back in a classroom environment and such a big commitment as the course to run alongside work so I knew at times it would be challenging, but this became another small achievable goal I set myself and I love a challenge.
On top of my apprenticeship, in July 2020, I was successful in securing a 6-month secondment role as a department manager. Going from a warehouse operative, to leading the team where it all started, to leading the whole department felt like a dream, I have grown so much both personally and professionally. I received my apprenticeship results in May, not only had I passed everything, I passed with a distinction. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved.
So, what are my next achievable goals? Thanks to the opportunities that I have been given, and all the knowledge I have gained over the past 6 years, one goal is to become a permanent department manager, and to continue developing myself professionally and I am already looking into starting a 4-year degree course which I am hoping to enrol onto in 2022.
Always remember there is a life after prison, making those small achievable goals really does make a difference!
Thank you to Boots, the company that has given me these opportunities.