The Careers, Employability and Skills team at Queen’s took 27 students went inside Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre and Prison to try and answer this question as part of our student development programme: ‘Real-World Challenge: Inside the Prison System’

Together with our partners in  NIACRO, the Prison Arts Foundation, Belfast MET (learning service based at Hydebank) and Richard Taylor, Governor In Charge at HydebankWood College, we gave our students access ‘Inside the Prison System’ to tackle a real-world consulting challenge. They benefited from expert mentorship from justice agencies in a bid to tackle the problem of youth reoffending in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the programme last year, Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA said: “Rehabilitation is about building positive and constructive relationships with those in our care as we challenge and support them to change. Regardless of what they have done, they are people, just like you and me, and should be treated firmly but fairly, and with courtesy and respect.”

One student on the programme told us: “The experience has allowed me to challenge my assumptions by being open minded to different arguments and opinions.”

Another added: “This has opened my eyes to real life issues that other people experience.”

Richard Taylor said: “As always it is very rewarding to host such a group of young professionals who are striving to make a difference through their learning. Some great proposals, thoughts and insights from their group work.. Best wishes to all the students as you progress with your development.”

Find out more about Career Development Programmes at Queen’s