When Anthony Quinn transferred to Hindley HMP/YOI from Kirkham prison, he had no idea it would become one of the best decisions of his life.

There, he was skills-matched by the CIAG (Careers Information, Advice and Guidance) team and invited on a Seeing is Believing tour – a partnership between the prison, National Highways, and its supply chain. It was on that tour that Anthony met Will Pedigrew, Head of Talent Acquisition at Network Plus.

‘I want to work in traffic management, in Leeds,” Anthony told him.

The rest, as they say is history.

Last October, Anthony walked out of Hindley for the final time – on a cold grey Wednesday – ready to start a new chapter. Within a week, he’d joined Network Plus. Now trained in Temporary Traffic Management, he’s preparing to complete his National Highway Sector T1 and T2 qualification.

“I’d been in and out of the criminal justice system since I was 19” Anthony says. “Now I’m earning over £30,000, I get to see my eight-year-old son, play football on weekends – and my reoffending days are behind me. I hope my story shows others that change is possible. It can be done.”

Back to Hindley, with purpose

Nine months later, Anthony returned to Hindley – not as a prisoner, but as a mentor.

He stood in front a group of young adults, sharing his journey, hoping to encourage others to follow in his footsteps.

“Anthony spoke with honesty, passion, and didn’t stop smiling,’ said Chris Nuttall, Prison Employment Lead.

After the session, two attendees expressed interest in getting involved in future events – a testament to the impact of the ongoing collaboration between Hindley HMP/YOI, National Highways, and supply chain partners.

This is just the beginning for Network Plus. Our work with Hindley and Kirkham is creating real opportunities for people to rebuild their lives – reducing reoffending and offering stability to prison leavers and their families.