The Right Course Employer Showcase at HMP Sudbury
January 14, 2026Posted by:
PeoplePlus hospitality learners at HMP Sudbury worked alongside Michelin Star chef Alex Bond of Alchemilla to deliver a full lunch service for visiting employers and guests. The event was led by The Right Course, with support from PeoplePlus and colleagues from the prison.
The showcase gave learners the opportunity to apply the practical skills they have been developing through their day-to-day training. They prepared dishes, managed front-of-house service and worked as part of a professional kitchen and service team. Several learners spoke about how the programme has helped them build skills they had never tried before and how the experience has increased their confidence.
One learner explained how taking part has helped him progress:
“Since I’ve been down here, I’ve learned how to do things I never used to know how to do. It builds up your confidence by the end of it, and you can use it going forward in day-to-day life.”
Employers from across the hospitality sector attended the event, with many already recruiting people from prison learning programmes. They were able to see the learners’ capability first-hand and speak directly with the teams delivering the training. Several commented on the level of talent within the prison and the quality of the food served on the day.
Catering tutor Adrain described the atmosphere in the kitchen as “enthusiastic and focused”, adding that events like this give learners a clear sense of purpose and show the value of the skills they are building.
Simon Sheehan CEO of the Right Course highlighted why initiatives like this matter:
“We give people a chance, and they can flourish. They can give back to society when they get out and start rebuilding their lives.”
The showcase forms part of ongoing work between PeoplePlus, HMP Sudbury and The Right Course to widen employment routes from custody and give people opportunities to gain practical, employer-recognised skills.
Watch the video showcase on Youtube -
January 14, 2026Posted by:
