EDUCATION NORWEGIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE | HALDEN PRISON NORWEGIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE | HALDEN PRISON EDUCATION 49 Broad Range of EDUCATION

48 EDUCATION NORWEGIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE | HALDEN PRISON NORWEGIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE | HALDEN PRISON EDUCATION 49 Broad Range Of EDUCATION

Inmates with the same rights to education as all other citizens. Halden Prison offers a broad range of education - everything from learning to read and write to university-level education.

Training and education are important provisions that says Director of Teaching Ingrid Cathrine Sjøholt. all inmates are provided with information about. This “Education is adapted to the needs and prior is crucial because inmates have the same entitlement knowledge of the individual. Many adults arrive with to education as the general population, and because work and life experience that they have approved it provides a better basis on which to return to and certified in the course of their education. society without committing any further crimes. Others may have had negative experiences in For many inmates, it is therefore important encounters with school in the past, but here they to resume interrupted schooling, improve come into contact with small, safe groups with grades, obtain a university diploma or study. close follow-up work by talented teachers.” The Education Act entitles both young people and adults to primary and secondary education. This is why there is a close Huge divergence in needs collaboration between the education sector The need for skills amongst inmates differs and the Norwegian Correctional Service. substantially when they arrive in prison. Some The Ministry of Education and Research can barely read and write, while some have has overall responsibility for the schooling of completed their primary education before Norwegian inhabitants, which includes inmates. dropping out while others may have had their secondary education interrupted. “We facilitate mastery, and try to Identification tailor a programme based on the needs As soon as a person is imprisoned, it will be identified of the individual,” she says. whether the person needs and wants education. When it comes to school content, all subjects As far as is possible, the prison school will meet and courses follow all or part of the national Halden Prison offers an excellent and wide range of education, offering great opportunities to complete previous these needs. A general principle is that teaching curricula. At the same time, provisions in prison schooling or to start new educational pathways. that begins in prison should be followed up by the must be suited to the demands of inmates and ordinary educational bodies in the community. be in line with the needs of the labour market. While neighbouring countries have their own “There’s not much point in training “We offer everything from primary school education to employees in prisons in relation to schooling, we people in professions where it’s almost follow the import model in Norway. This means that it impossible to get a job,” she points out. facilities for those seeking to study at universities and is Halden Upper Secondary School that is responsible Initially, the school is for those who are entitled to for facilitating education in Halden Prison. The primary education, secondary education or adapted university colleges. The majority of our students follow a prison is the workplace of almost 30 employees. adult education. However, if there is capacity, others may also be fitted in when it is appropriate. vocational programme, and every year we have a handful of Many paths students who complete their apprenticeships and receive their Secondary education leads to higher education, Shorter courses vocational skills or basic skills, which better In addition, skills-development courses are also craft certificates,” says Director of Teaching Ingrid Cathrine Sjøholt. equip you for further professional education. facilitated - covering everything from basic language “At Halden Prison, there are many paths to success,” training to music training and truck driving courses.

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“Part of the school’s social duty in the broader context is to help people master their lives. The professional aspect is just one element, but it is just as important to be Design and Craftsmanship able to function in daily life. This is why we Secondary Vg1 Design and Craftsmanship Other Sections have chosen to take a broader perspective Craft certificate in Media Graphics (apprenticeship on skills. It might be about learning to be in printworks/work operations) with and work together with other people, Education Section A - the reception section mastering digital daily life, and so on. The inmate can apply for guidance/follow- Everything is better than nothing when University preparation/add-on Electrical Engineering up from the school. It is also possible to start you eventually return to normal society.” Norwegian, English, History, Mathematics, (Vg1, Vg2) some schooling in Section A. Fixed teaching Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Vg1 Electricity and Electronics - Vg2 Electrical Energy sessions take place on a weekly basis. Mathematics for all programmes The principle of normality Just having a school that is in line with the Standard subjects The halfway house principle of normality is important in itself. Vocational subjects: Norwegian, English, Mathematics, Natural The inmate can apply for guidance/ This is why the school’s employees wear Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Education follow-up from the school. civilian clothes, and there is no camera Building and Construction surveillance or prison officers present in (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) the classrooms. Additionally, tools and Craft certificate in carpentry Primary school University college / University machinery are the same as what individuals Craft certificate in wood products and If inmates have not completed their primary Together with the school, the Norwegian will encounter in future workplaces. building furnishings (apprenticeship in education or equivalent, or require education to a Correctional Service seeks to enable inmates, Inmates can also serve apprenticeships wood products/work operations) primary school level, the prison will facilitate this. where possible, to pursue studies at either in prison and obtain craft certificates university college or university level. and apprentices’ final exams in a range of vocations, enabling them to Restaurant and food processing Shorter courses / parts of courses: furlough prison with a full professional (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) Hot work certification qualification in their pocket. Craft certificate in Cookery Truck certification This offers a good foundation for getting Craft certificate in Institutional Cookery Welding course into work and preventing relapses. (apprenticeship in main kitchen/work operations) Basic language training English A1, English A2, English B1/B2 Norwegian A1, Norwegian A2, Norwegian B1/B2 Different motivations Technical and Industrial Production Design and Craftsmanship A key aspect in establishing (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) Those who register for the education IT oneself in society following on offer have different motivations, Craft certificate in: Microsoft Office according to Ingrid Cathrine Sjøholt. CNC machining Music a longer prison sentence “Some want to participate in order to show Industrial plumbing Music Technology is to have a job to go to they’ve made progress during their sentence, Industrial mechanics Guitar or something meaningful or perhaps they feel they need to use the time Metalworking Keyboard to fill daily life with. To for something “sensible”. But those who aren’t Welding Interaction ensure that, knowledge and very interested in their school work to begin Craft certificate in Light Vehicles (Vg1/Vg2 in Physical education with often become more motivated later on.” school, apprenticeship in garage/work operations) Democracy and Citicenship expertise are important. “We offer small school classes here with teachers who work closely with the individual. This leads to positive results. The students not only make it through with a pass - many graduate with far better grades than they have ever received before,” she says with pride. 52 EDUCATION NORWEGIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE | HALDEN PRISON NORWEGIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE | HALDEN PRISON EDUCATION 53

often open up and tell powerful stories from and passed their qualifying examinations, which their own lives. This means they get close to has enabled them to secure placements and Technical and Industrial the individuals and play a completely different permanent jobs in their chosen professions. role than they would in a regular school. Production (TIP) Opening doors to industry Supporting people The teachers are often themselves able to open Both state that being able to support people in doors into local industry for individuals by a difficult phase of their life is very rewarding. making contact and accompanying them to A wide-ranging educational pathway on the road to The fact that many choose to serve even the final their first meeting. This is about humanity. part of their sentence in the prison rather than “We find most businesses to be positive, but professional expertise. in an open prison so that they can complete it is important to be honest about the reasons their education is something they see as a good behind the prison sentence if they’re to have a * Vg1 – TIP sign that they have created a professionally chance. Fortunately, there are many business * Vg2 – Industrial Technology positive and inclusive environment. owners and managers who see the person * 7 different Vg3 pathways “There’s an inner driving force to work rather than the conviction, which means they * Youth’s right to education to help people move on,” says Geir. have ended up with an extremely dutiful and They have experienced many success stories hard-working employee in return,” they say. * Adult education with inmates who have completed their education

Inmates who select the TIP programme of Multiple ways forward education have a whole ocean of opportunities Here there are multiple ways to reach your goal, on the road to professional expertise, as well depending on what you want to achieve and what as great options when it comes to exciting skills you have. Either by taking the VG3 add-on jobs after they complete their sentences. to general academic skills for vocational education VG1 consists of standard subjects (such as programmes, in which you can pursue your Norwegian, Mathematics, Natural Sciences apprenticeship in the prison’s own garage, or you and English) and programme-specific subjects may be entitled to adult education and have your including Production, Technical Services, existing skills assessed - allowing you to start in VG3. Documentation and Quality, and Vocational The approval of existing skills in a subject Specialisation (YFF). This enables you to try out is the equivalent of passing that subject. different professions and obtain basic education in working processes, techniques, tools and HSE. “If you start in Vg1, it interfaces with 70 different mechanical subjects once you account for all cross- Different skills area specialisations,” explain teacher Geir Johansen The special thing about school in prison is that and skilled worker Kim Norander Buckholm. Both the inmates bring a wide range of skills and have extensive professional experience behind them. experiences, in addition to the fact that the time they spend here naturally varies greatly. Some also have shorter or longer breaks for various reasons Vg2 and Vg3 without it being detrimental to their studies. Inmates who select the VG2 – Industrial “We don’t see it as a challenge. We perceive it Technology programme of education have as a unique opportunity. Here we arrange it so 26 different subjects to choose from, in that everyone can benefit from our provision addition to two cross-area specialisations. regardless of what their background is and VG2 comprises the standard subjects of what level they come in at,” Geir points out. Norwegian, English, Social Sciences and the programme-specific subjects of Production, Repair and Maintenance, Documentation and Motivated students Quality, and Vocational Specialisation (YFF). Geir and Kim from Halden Upper Secondary At Halden Prison, you can choose between the areas School do not hide the fact that the school of CNC machining, Production Engineering, Industrial inside the prison walls is significantly different Plumbing, Welding, Metalworking, Industrial to the one outside - in a positive way. Mechanics and the VG2-specific automotive subject “Here, most of our teaching takes place in the workshop, with a strong focus on the practical Teacher Geir Johansen and skilled Light Vehicles, where you have the opportunity to worker Kim Norander Buckholm at specialise and immerse yourself to a greater extent. dimension. The fact that it’s possible to complete Halden Upper Secondary School’s At the VG3 level, you choose the subject you an apprenticeship here is also a big plus.” branch in Halden Prison. “We really love helping want to study and which builds further on They say that the students are typically very your VG2 programme as you specialise further. motivated, and that they consider this a sanctuary people to move on in life” After completing VG3, you can take your craft where their daily lives can be normalised as certificate while still in Halden Prison. much as is possible. After a while, the students

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Christian is serving his 13th prison factor. Even when my world was falling apart sentence. “This stay in Halden will be for personal reasons last year and I had to take a my last time inside,” he has promised time out, my teacher brought homework to me himself. in my cell and pushed me on. It was a powerful experience - and I ended up with a level 3 grade “MY in extended Mathematics. I’m proud of that!” At the time of writing, Christian is at the end of a two-year sentence and readily admits that he has made the same promise to himself previously. LAST TIME “The difference from the prisons in which I’ve served sentences before is that here at Halden it’s possible to deal with your problems properly, regardless of whether you’re struggling with anger issues or substance abuse. The combination of the mastery programmes and the IN PRISON!” educational and activity provisions is excellent, and makes it possible to achieve change.” He also points out that the motivation has to come from within - the individual has to do the work even if the conditions are optimal.

20 years as a drug addict Christian has been a drug addict for 20 years, and most of his spells in prison have been related to narcotics. It has characterised his entire adult life. “After many years of being in and out of prison, Drug rehabilitation I felt like I was stuck in the mud. I’ve always Christian has unsettled business awaiting him upon been told that I’m good for nothing and that I’m release, and he will have to go through the judicial worthless. But here at Halden, I’ve been seen and process once again. But he says he has a good chance respected by the employees, and education and of avoiding another sentence in closed prison. work has restored my faith that I can master a job.” “The fact that I’ve now got a grip on my life and “The belief in a decent future.” have sorted out my circumstances for when I get out means that I am helping to ensure I have a chance Interested in the subject of starting a new and better life. The dream is to work in drug rehabilitation This is an area where I The reason why he registered for the TIP programme have a lot to offer through my own experience.” was a general interest in practical subjects. “I’m also good at talking and “I’ve been tinkering with cars my whole life, communicating messages,” he says. so it was natural to me. School has worked really well and has been an important motivational

Christian is one of the students of Technical and Industrial Production at Halden Prison, and is thriving in the well-equipped workshop. He is pictured in front of the advanced CNC machine.

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As a minimum, apprentices should undertake a two-year The Country’s First Approved apprenticeship, but can be provided with a customised programme if required. They arrive in the workshop from their cells every day at "Garage Behind Bars" 08:30 and work until 15:00, following a working day as similar as possible to what The garage at Halden Prison made history when it opened its doors in November will meet them once they finish their sentences. André 2015. For the first time, inmates could do apprenticeships and acquire is pictured here helping two qualifications as car mechanics in a maximum security prison! of the apprentices.

The workshop is approved by the Norwegian opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted. The working Public Roads Administration and carries out all conditions here are also based on trust, and types of services, maintenance and mechanical everyone connected to us has to pass an approval repairs, as well as EU inspections and car care. process. The workshop has open doors into the Jan André is a teacher at The aim is for inmates to be able to complete the prison's public spaces, but there are strict rules Halden Upper Secondary full programme of education while in the prison, about where the inmates are allowed to go.” School and is responsible for including their apprenticeship and qualifying exams. “It goes without saying that they don’t get many teaching on the Vg2 Vehicles “Skilled car mechanics are always in demand. chances before losing their place, but fortunately course. He boasts of the great interaction between That’s why the programme here offers great we only rarely have to take such a dramatic step. the Norwegian Correctional opportunities for a permanent job on the outside. The fact that we are mixing with inmates - some Service and the school, This means people have a better chance of a of whom have been convicted of very serious crimes which offers great flexibility normal life,” say works officers Kim and André. - on a daily basis isn’t something we think about.” and a unique opportunity for inmates to develop Nevertheless, they admit they had to give it some vocational skills. thought before accepting their jobs in the prison. “Cooperation between State of the Art “Yes, it is crucial that you don’t come here with me and the workshop’s The workshop has state of the art equipment preconceived notions or anxieties. It’s not our job employees is both close and and space for three apprentices. They are good, and we support each to judge people. The inmates have been convicted other when necessary,” he closely monitored in both their practical and and are serving their sentences,” says Kim. explains. theoretical work, in line with the curriculum. “All of them deserve another chance, and “We are very careful in terms of the execution our task is to support them in the best way of the practical work. No cars are returned possible,” adds his colleague, as both emphasise from here that we cannot guarantee the that they have never felt unsafe at work. quality of,” Kim and André emphasise. Some of those who apply to work with vehicles have previously dropped out of upper secondary Close Cooperation education. Regardless of how far they have got in Before the students are given apprenticeships, Halden their education before stopping, they can resume Upper Secondary School is responsible for teaching Works officers André (left) their studies and complete their education in prison. them, and the school has its own workplace in the and Kim, who both have “One major advantage of completing an workshop. Jan André is responsible for teaching, extensive experience in the apprenticeship here is that we can customise amongst other things, the Vg2 Light Vehicles auto industry, monitor their apprentices closely. They the programme in line with the apprentice’s courses, and seeks to provide students with the are also responsible for the skills, and they are closely monitored. best possible vocational skills and motivation. car care section which has If they need an apprenticeship of more “The students have to go through some theory, capacity for three inmates. than two years, they can have that. which we use the prison classroom for. They also try “This also requires vocational skills in relation to the use of Qualifying exams are also taken in to integrate the theory as much as possible into their chemicals and equipment,” prison using an external examiner.” practical work through the use of textbooks to see they say. how it works in practice when working on tasks in the workshop. This makes learning more pleasant. Motivated Students Jan André boasts of the great interaction Kim and André explain that the students he experiences between the Norwegian are very motivated, and that they pursue Correctional Service and the school in Halden knowledge that is far beyond the curriculum. Prison, which provides inmates with a “They know that they are being given an unique opportunity for a positive future.

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Several Ways Forward Students at Halden Prison can get their craft certificate in cookery and in institutional cookery. It is an important contribution Training takes place in the main kitchen/production kitchen. to providing an education that is even more true-to-reality. On-Site Restaurant In May 2016, the prison opened its restaurant ‘Ærlig Mat’ (Honest Food) in connection with its educational programme, making it the first of its kind in Scandinavia. The restaurant is regularly used for events with inmates, employees and visitors as guests, where dishes are prepared in the kitchen and served by students and apprentices. “I perceive the inmates to be very motivated,

Putting Meals on the Timetable Running Scandinavia’s First Restaurant Behind Bars

At Halden Prison, inmates can take a four-year education in cookery and waiting. It is also home to the restaurant ‘Ærlig mat’ (Honest Food).

“We are very focused on ensuring that students individual, how long he will be with us and so complete their education while they are here. on, and we facilitate a programme in relation to From experience, we know that there is a higher this. We have a great deal of flexibility here, and threshold for taking up a theoretical subject after can, for instance, ensure that exams take place they complete their sentence,” says Yngve Mathisen, ahead of release. Simply to enable them to leave teacher in restaurant and food processing (Vg1) here with something specific in their arsenal as and cookery and waiting (Vg2) at Halden Prison. they follow the path to a more stable life.” “But if things are to go well after their sentence, it is important that there is a good Beginning from Scratch partnership between the school, the Norwegian Mathisen has worked in the prison since it Correctional Service, the employer, NAV and opened, and has developed the educational the home municipality,” he points out. programmes in food from the bottom up. “We identify the educational situation of the

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and the fact that they can put their training into practice by feeding and serving food to guests that they have produced gives them an extra boost.”

Low unemployment rate Many have completed the full programme of education in the prison, including their apprenticeship, and now have permanent jobs. Nothing pleases Mathisen more than this. He has been in the field for a long time, and uses his extensive network to get students into placements once they finish their sentences at Halden. “I can vouch for what they stand for both professionally and personally. They have been to a good school here, and are generally older and more experienced than those coming from standard upper secondary education.” “Nine out of ten restaurant owners I speak to are open to taking his students on. There is a big demand for good chefs and waiters,” he says.

Book Publication The prison has also published the book ‘Ærlig mat i Halden fengsel’ (Honest Food in Halden Prison), a collaborative project between inmates, The cookbook ‘Ærlig mat i employees and the school, with Yngve acting Halden fengsel’ (Honest Food as the project manager and driving force. in Halden Prison) has enjoyed The project was part of the in-depth project taken excellent sales, and some of by Vg1 and Vg2 students in restaurant and food its profits are donated to the processing, and also covered learning outcomes ‘WayBack’ organisation. in several other subjects too. A studio-recorded CD is included in the book with all the lyrics and melodies created by students of music in the school section. Inmates working in the Media workshop The well-equipped and modern section created the illustrations, and all the recipes prison kitchen at Halden is and texts have been translated to English. a great place to learn about A total of 16 inmates were involved in the the cooking and waiting project, and Yngve says the cookbook, which professions. Specialist teacher presents 56 dishes including ingredients Yngve Mathisen enjoys delicious and recipes, has enjoyed excellent sales. dishes on a daily basis made by Some of the profits were earmarked for the his students and apprentices. WayBack foundation following the wishes of the inmates. This non-profit organisation follows up with inmate after they are released.

The restaurant ‘Ærlig mat’ (Honest Food) regularly hosts events where students and apprentices get to put their training into practice.

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CARPENTRY CERAMICS – for a Meaningful Everyday Life – Using our Hands!

Works officerStine Bjørgan has much to say about the close collaboration and inclusive environment found in the carpentry workshop. Works officerMari Günther Andreassen has built up the ceramics workshop from scratch and loves her job at Halden Prison.

In carpentry, affectionately know as ‘Snekkern’ in Norwegian, participants receive If you like shaping things with your hands, then the ceramics workshop should a basic introduction to different craft-based tasks, and they produce a range of be up your street. Here, you learn the basic techniques of the craft and get to goods for sale. contribute to the full process from start to finished product.

Many come to carpentry to have an interesting and “It makes my job meaningful, and I look In the workshop they mostly use custom Highly Recommended meaningful everyday life in prison, and works office forward to meeting the guys here every day. You moulds to create the standard products that are “It’s nice to note that many of those who apply Stine Bjørgan says they place a major emphasis on become a hybrid of supervisor, social worker and available for sale. This means that the inmates here have had it recommended to them by creating an inclusive and positive environment. psychologist - as well as a few other things!” stir liquid porcelain clay with a mortar mixing others. It also demonstrates that the participants “This is a provision with a low threshold, Production whisk, before pouring it into the moulds. are happy here. Most of them are also very but it’s no holiday either. Everyone must motivated and willing to learn,” she says. Tasks consist of the production of useful and make themselves useful,” she specifies. Firing and Decoration The prison only has five spaces in the ceramics saleable items such as butter knives, ladles, The workshop is well-equipped with machinery and A day later, the product is removed from the workshop, which means everyone works closely spoons, various boxes and containers, shoe tools, and has capacity for 10 participants. Demand mould. Edges from the moulding process are then together. Additionally, it means the activity horns, boot knobs, pot stands, hearts to hang up is substantial and all places are usually filled. cut away and the objects are prepared for firing. is characterised by a calm atmosphere. or decorate tables with, small shovels, folding After firing, they are decorated and glazed Different Levels beach chairs and tables, and much, much more. before once again being fired, according to Skills to be Proud of The level of knowledge and practical experience “The only real limitation on what we can works officer Mari Günther Andreassen. Of course, the extent to which a knowledge of naturally varies greatly amongst those who apply. produce within our current framework is our “We also have a decal printer that prints ceramics is useful to participants following their Some have barely ever used a plane before, while imagination. Inmates often bring along their own ceramic prints that we transfer onto the products sentence is limited, but Mari points out that the most others have extensive experience of craft work ideas that they want to try out,” Stine explains. and seal while firing them at 800 degrees.” important thing is that they feel a sense of mastery. and are very familiar with the machinery. Bigger Challenges “This represents the main tasks in the workshop ‘By taking the processes step by step, the vast “Everyone new is assessed so that I can form an and is how the majority of the products are made.” majority of people manage to acquire the full For the most talented individuals, it is a short path understanding of what level they are at. If they have set of skills. Often, we let the most experienced to the full carpentry workshop where they have no basic knowledge, they are given basic training. Original Ideas participants teach new arrivals. This creates pride more advanced machinery and a wider range of Here we find tasks that everyone can master,” Inmates can also create their own products and the wonderful feeling of being useful.’ production - where they also face bigger challenges. says Bjørgan, who is a qualified furniture maker. alongside, and Mari helps them to realise their The prison has always provided work Others prefer to stay in Snekkern as long own ideas by turning and modelling clay. certificates to those participants who wanted Motivational Factor as they can, simply because of the positive “Often, they want to create something special for it. Now it will also issue vocational training Simply giving participants a sense of mastery is sense of community they experience here. their parents, children, wives or girlfriends. There’s certificates to those who qualify. an important aspect of the occupation, as well a lot of motivation, joy and learning in creating as a motivational factor for the works officer. something that others appreciate,” she says. New Experiences Await “I find that my efforts can help others to achieve a Mari has four years of higher education in ceramics After a year or so in the ceramics workshop, she better future for themselves. Many have expressed “Here in carpentry, we find suitable tasks regardless of the level of skills that and has been employed in her role since the prison encourages inmates to try another activity in the that they are looking forward to returning to society opened. She has thus been able to build up the prison so that they gain different experiences and now that they actually feel like they can do a job.” inmates already have,” says Stine Bjørgan. workshop from scratch and shape its contents. ensure there is some turnover amongst participants.

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Deputy foreman of works, Jørgen Tvete, describes a good atmosphere and high levels of productivity in the woodworking workshop.

“Here, we are more like colleagues than traditional guards,” he says.

BUZZING ACTIVITY IN THE WOODWORKING High Security Naturally, security is of the highest priority in WORKSHOP a workshop where a lot of tools and machinery are in use. There is free access to screwdrivers, hammers and awls, which in many other prisons are locked away when not in use. The inmates create products both for their own shop and by special order in the “We don’t want to spend ages getting out and putting away tools. It’s about trust. Everyone knows woodworking workshop. Inmates can also take their final apprentice exams here. that if one person breaches that trust, it will limit everyone else’s freedom. It’s a rule that works well. “At the same time, we obviously make sure that no one leaves before we have checked There are high levels of activity in the carpentry everything is where it should be. If we find out workshop at Halden Prison. There is sawing Training and Production that anything is missing, we sound the alarm!” and milling, sanding and planing and gluing as Training and production go hand in hand in Personal safety in the carpentry workshop the wood takes shape and becomes a garden the woodworking workshop. New arrivals are is safeguarded through strict procedures. bench or bookcase. Or perhaps a self-watering given a guided tour and try out different tasks No one is allowed to use a plane without planter, a high chair or a rocking motorcycle. so that they can find out what they are good thorough training, and individuals may only The workshop collaborates with other at or what they would like to learn. They then use machinery they know how to operate. prisons so that they do not produce the same receive the training they require. They are offered goods. This means they complement each every opportunity to do rewarding work. other instead of competing in the market. “Some have extensive experience from before and can operate advanced machinery after no time at “There are strict all, while others need to start small. It’s fantastic A popular pursuit to see when they understand the principles and procedures relating to “Demand for our products and services is huge,” master their tasks. This mastery gives the inmates confirms deputy foreman of works Jørgen Tvete. a spark of life and enhances their self-esteem. the operation of the In addition to the products that are sold, they One of the inmates nods in agreement, workshop, but it is accept special orders from both the Norwegian explaining that working in the workshop gives Correctional Service and private customers. When meaning to his everyday life and helps him also based on trust. If the National Police Directorate moved into new to overcome his destructive thoughts. premises in Oslo, carpenters in Halden provided “It’s like going to an ordinary job, in inmates breach that tables, shelves, wash trolleys and other furniture. addition to learning a craft,’ he says. “In principle, we can take on more or less anything trust, it has an impact that should take place in a woodworking workshop. Jørgen has up to 20 workspaces for inmates in on everyone working the workshop run by him and four works officers. here,” says Jørgen Tvete.

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Apprentices’ Final Exams The woodworking workshop is not part of the schooling programme, but is an approved teaching activity and follows relevant curricula. The workshop cooperates with ‘Treringen’, the educational office for the carpentry trade in Buskerud, Vestfold and Østfold. “The individuals that come here have different levels of vocational skills. Some already know the necessary theory, while others learn what they don’t know in prison and take their exams in the field as private candidates. They are then able to work the hours they need to spend in the woodworking workshop to take their final apprenticeship exams,” he explains. In theory, the inmate can also graduate as a craftsman once he has worked for long enough in the woodworking workshop as part of the woodworking programme (previously known as furniture/industrial technology) at the Vg2 level.

Customised Programme “The advisers at the school, the examining board and I gather together documentation for all of the relevant education and skills for individuals who want to take their final exams. This is sent to the county municipality, who assess what is missing in terms of the educational pathway, and then we create an individual programme on this basis. At the time of writing, there are two inmates who have passed their final apprenticeship exams as furniture and industrial carpenters in prison, which provides them with a great advantage in securing permanent work after their sentences finish.” The woodworking workshop is very modern, with all equipment “But everyone who has done a placement necessary for the production of advanced furniture and furnishings. here receives a skills certificate. This can be the difference between being invited to interview or not in relation to job applications,” he says.

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A MODERN, WHOLLY DIGITAL PRINT SHOP

Do you need a book, annual report, business cards or calendar printed? Or perhaps you want to add a logo or slogan to a piece of clothing or your favourite cup? Halden Prison Print can take the job!

The graphic media workshop provides excellent Big Things Have Small Beginnings training and skills for up to eight people, and Other than those who are training in the field of is classified as a training establishment that Works officer and photographerAnders Johansson heads up Halden Prison Print, which is both a working business and a venue for graphic graphics, inmates who apply to the print shop designer apprentices. can accommodate up to two apprentices. generally have no relevant vocational skills. They “The apprentices receive individual support are provided with their own training plan to ensure until they take their qualifying exams in media good progression and that their skills increase. graphics,” says works officer Anders Johansson. “At first, they participate in a range of tasks, while Media graphic designers work with the design those who have been here longest can perform the and production of visual communication. full printing process - including working in programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator,” he says. Well-Functioning Print Shop The workshop features modern equipment and can undertake a range of graphic production and printing assignments. They receive commissions both internally from the Norwegian Correctional Service and also from the open market. “We compete with ordinary print shops, and must always be focused on the quality of what we do. Nothing leaves us for the customer until it is of a satisfactory standard,” Anders emphasises. “The fact that customers have high expectations of what we deliver gives us a boost. It makes our working days extra inspiring,” he adds. Anders is the only employee at the print shop, and describes his days at work there as busy but eventful. They really have to work hard to stay on top of things, and during the most hectic periods assignments will pile up. Working with software is an “We market ourselves on a small scale, but important aspect of digital it is clear that satisfied customers say good things about us. This means an increasing printing. Anders Johansson number of people are aware of our services.” provides expert guidance.