The challenge

Many participants joined with limited qualifications, little recent work experience and low confidence. Some faced stigma, housing instability, release timetable constraints or gaps in basic employability skills.

At the same time, the wider modular construction sector faces skills shortages, limited MMC-specific training routes and a need to rapidly build net-zero capability. Dragonheart, which manufactures sustainable modular homes supporting SAP 100+ and net-zero operational carbon delivery, needs a workforce that understands fabric-first construction, precision manufacturing, resource efficiency, circular economy principles and low-carbon technologies.

The solution

Dragonheart designed a structured, supportive and accredited training model. Participants are paid the Living Wage, work alongside experienced factory staff, gain recognised qualifications and receive mentoring, wellbeing and resettlement support. Training was planned around priority areas including modular construction, factory production, material efficiency, waste reduction, health and safety, forklift and plant operation, quality control, supervisory skills and green construction awareness.

Dragonheart has also supported the development of a CITB-approved Modular NVQ Level 2 tailored to Modern Methods of Construction.

How the project works

Participants join the factory under the Ministry of Justice programme, working within repeatable production processes that make learning practical and structured. Dragonheart operates under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, ensuring training is aligned with quality, environmental and health and safety management, while resource-efficient manufacturing, zero waste to landfill processes and local supply-chain engagement help embed sustainability into everyday roles.

Participants are treated as part of the production team rather than a CSR add-on. NVQ completions, employment outcomes and personal success stories are shared internally through briefings and factory gatherings, helping staff see the value of training, inclusion and low-carbon delivery.

When prison release timings, participant transfers and assessor availability slowed NVQ completion, Dragonheart established a training hub within HMP North Sea Camp, so participants can begin learning before entering the factory, and worked with Workforce Skills Support to increase assessor capacity.

The results

To date, Dragonheart has supported 41 pre- and post-release prisoners through its training and employment pathway, with day-release prisoners making up around 25-35% of the factory workforce. The company has supported 28 NVQs, with more underway, and participants have also gained plant licences, modular construction experience and transferable employability skills.

Post-release employment is running at more than 85%, with several participants securing permanent roles at Dragonheart, moving into local SMEs or starting their own businesses. Reoffending among participants is below 1%, compared with a national average of around 25-30%, generating estimated taxpayer savings of over £4.8m. Participants also contribute tax, National Insurance and Victim Support deductions, with more than £67,500 contributed annually to the Victim Support Fund from the current workforce.

The programme has also strengthened Dragonheart’s wider ESG culture, improving staff engagement and morale, creating a more diverse talent pipeline, improving retention and helping to address skills shortages. Training will be extended into supervisory, digital construction and green skills.