GVA Partners with HMP Hindley and National Highways to build careers in land-based industries
GVA is proud to be continuing its work with HMP Hindley and National Highways to deliver practical, accredited land-based training that creates real pathways to employment for residents.
Rooted in GVA’s core values of Safety, Professional Standards, Community, Sustainability, and Industry Expertise, this partnership supports residents at HMP Hindley in gaining essential skills, confidence, and qualifications that extend far beyond the prison walls.
Building Foundations for Future Careers
Before the current collaboration, National Highways set up a career development programme with HMP Hindley, bringing together organisations to support residents’ career progression and employment opportunities upon release. GVA previously worked with National Highways’ gardens team as part of this initiative.
Now, GVA is expanding this collaboration. Starting in January, GVA will deliver an 8-week development programme to six residents, equipping them with foundational skills in land-based industries, including operating and maintaining key equipment such as handheld blowers, hedge cutters, brushcutters, and wood chippers. Alongside technical skills, the programme also focuses on essential employability skills to prepare residents for meaningful careers.
Expertise and Leadership Onsite
Tommy, who leads the landscape department at HMP Hindley, is trained and LANTRA-certified in several key pieces of equipment and safety practices through GVA Training. He uses this knowledge to supervise and mentor residents, passing on vital skills that prepare them for employment.
“I’m trained to use the equipment safely and correctly, and I can pass that knowledge on to residents to help them get ahead,” Tommy explains. “We give residents responsibility and meaningful work. They take pride in tending to their own plots, seeing things grow and knowing they have transferable skills for when they leave.”
Creating a Collaborative and Supportive Environment
The landscape team are working on projects that bring together departments across the prison, including art and furniture workshops, to create shared spaces such as the sensory garden. This collaborative project features water features, pergolas, raised beds, murals and furniture, designed to engage residents and support mental wellbeing.
“The sensory garden is something everyone can take ownership of,” Tommy says. “It’s a real community effort, and it helps build confidence, teamwork and pride.”
GVA Training: Practical, Accredited, and Industry-Focused
GVA Training delivers LANTRA-accredited courses tailored to the land-based industries, ranging from arboriculture and horticulture to environmental and estate management. The courses offered at HMP Hindley focus on practical, hands-on learning combined with industry standards and safety.
“Supporting Tommy and the residents is incredibly rewarding. Our training gives residents the confidence and skills to safely operate equipment and build a career path after release. The impact is real and lasting.”
Andrew Fletcher – Corporate Training Instructor and Coordinator at GVA Training
Committed to Positive Change
For GVA, this partnership embodies its commitment to community support, sustainable skill development, and creating positive futures through training and collaboration.
“We are extremely proud to work with Tommy and support this important initiative,” Andrew adds. “Through this programme, residents gain not only qualifications but the confidence and pride that come from meaningful work and learning.”
GVA will continue to build on this work with National Highways and HMP Hindley, helping residents gain the tools they need to thrive in land-based industries — transforming lives one skill at a time.
Interested in upskilling your workforce?
Contact GVA Training to arrange Lantra-accredited training for your team:
Email: training@gva-trees.com
Visit: www.gva-trees.com/training
