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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 all inmates are provided with information about. This is crucial because inmates have the same entitlement to education as the general population, and because it provides a better basis on which to return to society without committing any further crimes.

For many inmates, it is therefore important to resume interrupted schooling, improve grades, obtain a university diploma or study.

The Education Act entitles both young people and adults to primary and secondary education. This is why there is a close collaboration between the education sector and the Norwegian Correctional Service.

The Ministry of Education and Research has overall responsibility for the schooling of Norwegian inhabitants, which includes inmates.

IdentificationAs soon as a person is imprisoned, it will be identified whether the person needs and wants education. As far as is possible, the prison school will meet these needs. A general principle is that teaching that begins in prison should be followed up by the ordinary educational bodies in the community.

While neighbouring countries have their own employees in prisons in relation to schooling, we follow the import model in Norway. This means that it is Halden Upper Secondary School that is responsible for facilitating education in Halden Prison. The prison is the workplace of almost 30 employees.

Many pathsSecondary education leads to higher education, vocational skills or basic skills, which better equip you for further professional education.

“At Halden Prison, there are many paths to success,”

says Director of Teaching Ingrid Cathrine Sjøholt. “Education is adapted to the needs and prior

knowledge of the individual. Many adults arrive with work and life experience that they have approved and certified in the course of their education. Others may have had negative experiences in encounters with school in the past, but here they come into contact with small, safe groups with close follow-up work by talented teachers.”

Huge divergence in needsThe need for skills amongst inmates differs substantially when they arrive in prison. Some can barely read and write, while some have completed their primary education before dropping out while others may have had their secondary education interrupted.

“We facilitate mastery, and try to tailor a programme based on the needs of the individual,” she says.

When it comes to school content, all subjects and courses follow all or part of the national curricula. At the same time, provisions in prison must be suited to the demands of inmates and be in line with the needs of the labour market.

“There’s not much point in training people in professions where it’s almost impossible to get a job,” she points out.

Initially, the school is for those who are entitled to primary education, secondary education or adapted adult education. However, if there is capacity, others may also be fitted in when it is appropriate.

Shorter coursesIn addition, skills-development courses are also facilitated - covering everything from basic language training to music training and truck driving courses.

Halden Prison offers an excellent and wide range of education, offering great opportunities to complete previous schooling or to start new educational pathways.

“We offer everything from primary school education to facilities for those seeking to study at universities and university colleges. The majority of our students follow a vocational programme, and every year we have a handful of students who complete their apprenticeships and receive their craft certificates,” says Director of Teaching Ingrid Cathrine Sjøholt.

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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 able to function in daily life. This is why we have chosen to take a broader perspective on skills. It might be about learning to be with and work together with other people, mastering digital daily life, and so on. Everything is better than nothing when you eventually return to normal society.”

The principle of normalityJust having a school that is in line with the principle of normality is important in itself. This is why the school’s employees wear civilian clothes, and there is no camera surveillance or prison officers present in the classrooms. Additionally, tools and machinery are the same as what individuals will encounter in future workplaces.

Inmates can also serve apprenticeships in prison and obtain craft certificates and apprentices’ final exams in a range of vocations, enabling them to furlough prison with a full professional qualification in their pocket.

This offers a good foundation for getting into work and preventing relapses.

Different motivationsThose who register for the education on offer have different motivations, according to Ingrid Cathrine Sjøholt.

“Some want to participate in order to show they’ve made progress during their sentence, or perhaps they feel they need to use the time for something “sensible”. But those who aren’t very interested in their school work to begin with often become more motivated later on.”

“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.

Secondary Education University preparation/add-on Norwegian, English, History, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics for all programmes

Vocational subjects:

Building and Construction (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3)Craft certificate in carpentryCraft certificate in wood products and building furnishings (apprenticeship in wood products/work operations)

Restaurant and food processing (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) Craft certificate in CookeryCraft certificate in Institutional Cookery (apprenticeship in main kitchen/work operations)

Technical and Industrial Production (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) Craft certificate in: CNC machining Industrial plumbing Industrial mechanics Metalworking Welding Craft certificate in Light Vehicles (Vg1/Vg2 in school, apprenticeship in garage/work operations)

Design and Craftsmanship Vg1 Design and CraftsmanshipCraft certificate in Media Graphics (apprenticeship in printworks/work operations)

Electrical Engineering (Vg1, Vg2) Vg1 Electricity and Electronics - Vg2 Electrical Energy

Standard subjects Norwegian, English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Education

Primary school If inmates have not completed their primary education or equivalent, or require education to a primary school level, the prison will facilitate this.

Shorter courses / parts of courses: Hot work certification Truck certification Welding course Basic language training English A1, English A2, English B1/B2 Norwegian A1, Norwegian A2, Norwegian B1/B2 Design and Craftsmanship IT Microsoft Office Music Music TechnologyGuitarKeyboard Interaction Physical educationDemocracy and Citicenship

Other Sections Section A - the reception sectionThe inmate can apply for guidance/follow-up from the school. It is also possible to start some schooling in Section A. Fixed teaching sessions take place on a weekly basis.

The halfway house The inmate can apply for guidance/follow-up from the school.

University college / University Together with the school, the Norwegian Correctional Service seeks to enable inmates, where possible, to pursue studies at either university college or university level.

A key aspect in establishing oneself in society following a longer prison sentence is to have a job to go to or something meaningful to fill daily life with. To ensure that, knowledge and expertise are important.

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Inmates who select the TIP programme of education have a whole ocean of opportunities on the road to professional expertise, as well as great options when it comes to exciting jobs after they complete their sentences.

VG1 consists of standard subjects (such as Norwegian, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and English) and programme-specific subjects including Production, Technical Services, Documentation and Quality, and Vocational Specialisation (YFF). This enables you to try out 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-area specialisations,” explain teacher Geir Johansen and skilled worker Kim Norander Buckholm. Both have extensive professional experience behind them.

Vg2 and Vg3Inmates who select the VG2 – Industrial Technology programme of education have 26 different subjects to choose from, in addition to two cross-area specialisations.

VG2 comprises the standard subjects of Norwegian, English, Social Sciences and the programme-specific subjects of Production, Repair and Maintenance, Documentation and Quality, and Vocational Specialisation (YFF).

At Halden Prison, you can choose between the areas of CNC machining, Production Engineering, Industrial Plumbing, Welding, Metalworking, Industrial Mechanics and the VG2-specific automotive subject Light Vehicles, where you have the opportunity to specialise and immerse yourself to a greater extent.

At the VG3 level, you choose the subject you want to study and which builds further on your VG2 programme as you specialise further. After completing VG3, you can take your craft certificate while still in Halden Prison.

Multiple ways forwardHere there are multiple ways to reach your goal, depending on what you want to achieve and what skills you have. Either by taking the VG3 add-on to general academic skills for vocational education programmes, in which you can pursue your apprenticeship in the prison’s own garage, or you may be entitled to adult education and have your existing skills assessed - allowing you to start in VG3.

The approval of existing skills in a subject is the equivalent of passing that subject.

Different skillsThe special thing about school in prison is that the inmates bring a wide range of skills and 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 without it being detrimental to their studies.

“We don’t see it as a challenge. We perceive it as a unique opportunity. Here we arrange it so that everyone can benefit from our provision regardless of what their background is and what level they come in at,” Geir points out.

Motivated studentsGeir and Kim from Halden Upper Secondary School do not hide the fact that the school inside the prison walls is significantly different to the one outside - in a positive way.

“Here, most of our teaching takes place in the workshop, with a strong focus on the practical dimension. The fact that it’s possible to complete an apprenticeship here is also a big plus.”

They say that the students are typically very motivated, and that they consider this a sanctuary where their daily lives can be normalised as much as is possible. After a while, the students

Technical and Industrial Production (TIP)A wide-ranging educational pathway on the road to professional expertise.

* Vg1 – TIP* Vg2 – Industrial Technology* 7 different Vg3 pathways * Youth’s right to education* Adult education

and passed their qualifying examinations, which has enabled them to secure placements and permanent jobs in their chosen professions.

Opening doors to industryThe teachers are often themselves able to open doors into local industry for individuals by making contact and accompanying them to their first meeting. This is about humanity.

“We find most businesses to be positive, but it is important to be honest about the reasons behind the prison sentence if they’re to have a chance. Fortunately, there are many business owners and managers who see the person rather than the conviction, which means they have ended up with an extremely dutiful and hard-working employee in return,” they say.

often open up and tell powerful stories from their own lives. This means they get close to the individuals and play a completely different role than they would in a regular school.

Supporting peopleBoth state that being able to support people in a difficult phase of their life is very rewarding. The fact that many choose to serve even the final part of their sentence in the prison rather than in an open prison so that they can complete their education is something they see as a good sign that they have created a professionally positive and inclusive environment.

“There’s an inner driving force to work to help people move on,” says Geir.

They have experienced many success stories with inmates who have completed their education

Teacher Geir Johansen and skilled worker Kim Norander Buckholm at Halden Upper Secondary School’s branch in Halden Prison. “We really love helping

people to move on in life”



“MY LAST TIME

IN PRISON!”

factor. Even when my world was falling apart for personal reasons last year and I had to take a time out, my teacher brought homework to me in my cell and pushed me on. It was a powerful experience - and I ended up with a level 3 grade in extended Mathematics. I’m proud of that!”

Drug rehabilitationChristian has unsettled business awaiting him upon release, and he will have to go through the judicial process once again. But he says he has a good chance of avoiding another sentence in closed prison.

“The fact that I’ve now got a grip on my life and have sorted out my circumstances for when I get out means that I am helping to ensure I have a chance of starting a new and better life. The dream is to work in drug rehabilitation This is an area where I have a lot to offer through my own experience.”

“I’m also good at talking and communicating messages,” he says.

Christian is serving his 13th prison sentence. “This stay in Halden will be my last time inside,” he has promised himself.

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.

“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 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 addictChristian 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, I felt like I was stuck in the mud. I’ve always been told that I’m good for nothing and that I’m worthless. But here at Halden, I’ve been seen and respected by the employees, and education and work has restored my faith that I can master a job.”

“The belief in a decent future.”

Interested in the subjectThe reason why he registered for the TIP programme was a general interest in practical subjects.

“I’ve been tinkering with cars my whole life, 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 apprenticeship, but can be provided with a customised programme if required. They arrive in the workshop from their cells every day at 08:30 and work until 15:00, following a working day as similar as possible to what will meet them once they finish their sentences. André is pictured here helping two of the apprentices.

Works officers André (left) and Kim, who both have extensive experience in the auto industry, monitor their apprentices closely. They are also responsible for the car care section which has capacity for three inmates. “This also requires vocational skills in relation to the use of chemicals and equipment,” they say.

Jan André is a teacher at Halden Upper Secondary School and is responsible for teaching on the Vg2 Vehicles course. He boasts of the great interaction between the Norwegian Correctional Service and the school, which offers great flexibility and a unique opportunity for inmates to develop vocational skills. “Cooperation between me and the workshop’s employees is both close and good, and we support each other when necessary,” he explains.

The Country’s First Approved

"Garage Behind Bars"The garage at Halden Prison made history when it opened its doors in November 2015. For the first time, inmates could do apprenticeships and acquire qualifications as car mechanics in a maximum security prison!

The workshop is approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and carries out all types of services, maintenance and mechanical repairs, as well as EU inspections and car care.

The aim is for inmates to be able to complete the full programme of education while in the prison, including their apprenticeship and qualifying exams.

“Skilled car mechanics are always in demand. That’s why the programme here offers great opportunities for a permanent job on the outside. This means people have a better chance of a normal life,” say works officers Kim and André.

State of the ArtThe workshop has state of the art equipment and space for three apprentices. They are closely monitored in both their practical and theoretical work, in line with the curriculum.

“We are very careful in terms of the execution of the practical work. No cars are returned from here that we cannot guarantee the quality of,” Kim and André emphasise.

Some of those who apply to work with vehicles have previously dropped out of upper secondary education. Regardless of how far they have got in their education before stopping, they can resume their studies and complete their education in prison.

“One major advantage of completing an apprenticeship here is that we can customise the programme in line with the apprentice’s skills, and they are closely monitored. If they need an apprenticeship of more than two years, they can have that.

Qualifying exams are also taken in prison using an external examiner.”

Motivated StudentsKim and André explain that the students are very motivated, and that they pursue knowledge that is far beyond the curriculum.

“They know that they are being given an

opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted. The working conditions here are also based on trust, and everyone connected to us has to pass an approval process. The workshop has open doors into the prison's public spaces, but there are strict rules about where the inmates are allowed to go.”

“It goes without saying that they don’t get many chances before losing their place, but fortunately we only rarely have to take such a dramatic step.

The fact that we are mixing with inmates - some of whom have been convicted of very serious crimes - on a daily basis isn’t something we think about.” Nevertheless, they admit they had to give it some thought before accepting their jobs in the prison.

“Yes, it is crucial that you don’t come here with preconceived notions or anxieties. It’s not our job to judge people. The inmates have been convicted and are serving their sentences,” says Kim.

“All of them deserve another chance, and our task is to support them in the best way possible,” adds his colleague, as both emphasise that they have never felt unsafe at work.

Close CooperationBefore the students are given apprenticeships, Halden Upper Secondary School is responsible for teaching them, and the school has its own workplace in the workshop. Jan André is responsible for teaching, amongst other things, the Vg2 Light Vehicles courses, and seeks to provide students with the best possible vocational skills and motivation.

“The students have to go through some theory, which we use the prison classroom for. They also try to integrate the theory as much as possible into their practical work through the use of textbooks to see how it works in practice when working on tasks in the workshop. This makes learning more pleasant.

Jan André boasts of the great interaction he experiences between the Norwegian Correctional Service and the school in Halden Prison, which provides inmates with a unique opportunity for a positive future.



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“We are very focused on ensuring that students complete their education while they are here. From experience, we know that there is a higher threshold for taking up a theoretical subject after they complete their sentence,” says Yngve Mathisen, teacher in restaurant and food processing (Vg1) and cookery and waiting (Vg2) at Halden Prison.

Beginning from ScratchMathisen has worked in the prison since it opened, and has developed the educational programmes in food from the bottom up.

“We identify the educational situation of the

individual, how long he will be with us and so on, and we facilitate a programme in relation to this. We have a great deal of flexibility here, and can, for instance, ensure that exams take place ahead of release. Simply to enable them to leave here with something specific in their arsenal as 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 partnership between the school, the Norwegian Correctional Service, the employer, NAV and the home municipality,” he points out.

Several Ways ForwardStudents at Halden Prison can get their craft certificate in cookery and in institutional cookery.

Training takes place in the main kitchen/production kitchen.

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).

It is an important contribution to providing an education that is even more true-to-reality.

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The cookbook ‘Ærlig mat i Halden fengsel’ (Honest Food in Halden Prison) has enjoyed excellent sales, and some of its profits are donated to the ‘WayBack’ organisation.

The well-equipped and modern prison kitchen at Halden is a great place to learn about the cooking and waiting professions. Specialist teacher Yngve Mathisen enjoys delicious dishes on a daily basis made by his students and apprentices.

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 rateMany 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 PublicationThe prison has also published the book ‘Ærlig mat i Halden fengsel’ (Honest Food in Halden Prison), a collaborative project between inmates, employees and the school, with Yngve acting as the project manager and driving force.

The project was part of the in-depth project taken by Vg1 and Vg2 students in restaurant and food processing, and also covered learning outcomes 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 section created the illustrations, and all the recipes and texts have been translated to English.

A total of 16 inmates were involved in the project, and Yngve says the cookbook, which presents 56 dishes including ingredients and recipes, has enjoyed excellent sales.

Some of the profits were earmarked for the 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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Many come to carpentry to have an interesting and meaningful everyday life in prison, and works office Stine Bjørgan says they place a major emphasis on creating an inclusive and positive environment.

“This is a provision with a low threshold, but it’s no holiday either. Everyone must make themselves useful,” she specifies.

The workshop is well-equipped with machinery and tools, and has capacity for 10 participants. Demand is substantial and all places are usually filled.

Different LevelsThe level of knowledge and practical experience naturally varies greatly amongst those who apply. Some have barely ever used a plane before, while others have extensive experience of craft work and are very familiar with the machinery.

“Everyone new is assessed so that I can form an understanding of what level they are at. If they have no basic knowledge, they are given basic training. Here we find tasks that everyone can master,” says Bjørgan, who is a qualified furniture maker.

Motivational FactorSimply giving participants a sense of mastery is an important aspect of the occupation, as well as a motivational factor for the works officer.

“I find that my efforts can help others to achieve a better future for themselves. Many have expressed that they are looking forward to returning to society now that they actually feel like they can do a job.”

“It makes my job meaningful, and I look forward to meeting the guys here every day. You become a hybrid of supervisor, social worker and psychologist - as well as a few other things!”

ProductionTasks consist of the production of useful and saleable items such as butter knives, ladles, spoons, various boxes and containers, shoe horns, boot knobs, pot stands, hearts to hang up or decorate tables with, small shovels, folding beach chairs and tables, and much, much more.

“The only real limitation on what we can produce within our current framework is our imagination. Inmates often bring along their own ideas that they want to try out,” Stine explains.

Bigger ChallengesFor the most talented individuals, it is a short path to the full carpentry workshop where they have more advanced machinery and a wider range of production - where they also face bigger challenges.

Others prefer to stay in Snekkern as long as they can, simply because of the positive sense of community they experience here.

CARPENTRY – for a Meaningful Everyday Life

CERAMICS – Using our Hands!

In carpentry, affectionately know as ‘Snekkern’ in Norwegian, participants receive a basic introduction to different craft-based tasks, and they produce a range of goods for sale.

If you like shaping things with your hands, then the ceramics workshop should be up your street. Here, you learn the basic techniques of the craft and get to contribute to the full process from start to finished product.

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

“Here in carpentry, we find suitable tasks regardless of the level of skills that inmates already have,” says Stine Bjørgan.

In the workshop they mostly use custom moulds to create the standard products that are available for sale. This means that the inmates stir liquid porcelain clay with a mortar mixing whisk, before pouring it into the moulds.

Firing and DecorationA day later, the product is removed from the mould. Edges from the moulding process are then cut away and the objects are prepared for firing.

After firing, they are decorated and glazed before once again being fired, according to works officer Mari Günther Andreassen.

“We also have a decal printer that prints ceramic prints that we transfer onto the products and seal while firing them at 800 degrees.”

“This represents the main tasks in the workshop and is how the majority of the products are made.”

Original IdeasInmates can also create their own products alongside, and Mari helps them to realise their own ideas by turning and modelling clay.

“Often, they want to create something special for their parents, children, wives or girlfriends. There’s a lot of motivation, joy and learning in creating something that others appreciate,” she says.

Mari has four years of higher education in ceramics and has been employed in her role since the prison opened. She has thus been able to build up the workshop from scratch and shape its contents.

Highly Recommended“It’s nice to note that many of those who apply here have had it recommended to them by others. It also demonstrates that the participants are happy here. Most of them are also very motivated and willing to learn,” she says.

The prison only has five spaces in the ceramics workshop, which means everyone works closely together. Additionally, it means the activity is characterised by a calm atmosphere.

Skills to be Proud ofOf course, the extent to which a knowledge of ceramics is useful to participants following their sentence is limited, but Mari points out that the most important thing is that they feel a sense of mastery.

‘By taking the processes step by step, the vast majority of people manage to acquire the full set of skills. Often, we let the most experienced participants teach new arrivals. This creates pride and the wonderful feeling of being useful.’

The prison has always provided work certificates to those participants who wanted it. Now it will also issue vocational training certificates to those who qualify.

New Experiences AwaitAfter a year or so in the ceramics workshop, she encourages inmates to try another activity in the prison so that they gain different experiences and ensure there is some turnover amongst participants.



BUZZING ACTIVITY IN THE WOODWORKING WORKSHOP

The inmates create products both for their own shop and by special order in the woodworking workshop. Inmates can also take their final apprentice exams here.

There are high levels of activity in the carpentry workshop at Halden Prison. There is sawing and milling, sanding and planing and gluing as the wood takes shape and becomes a garden bench or bookcase. Or perhaps a self-watering planter, a high chair or a rocking motorcycle.

The workshop collaborates with other prisons so that they do not produce the same goods. This means they complement each other instead of competing in the market.

A popular pursuit“Demand for our products and services is huge,” confirms deputy foreman of works Jørgen Tvete.

In addition to the products that are sold, they accept special orders from both the Norwegian Correctional Service and private customers. When the National Police Directorate moved into new premises in Oslo, carpenters in Halden provided tables, shelves, wash trolleys and other furniture.

“In principle, we can take on more or less anything that should take place in a woodworking workshop.

Jørgen has up to 20 workspaces for inmates in the workshop run by him and four works officers.

Training and ProductionTraining and production go hand in hand in the woodworking workshop. New arrivals are given a guided tour and try out different tasks so that they can find out what they are good at or what they would like to learn. They then receive the training they require. They are offered every opportunity to do rewarding work.

“Some have extensive experience from before and can operate advanced machinery after no time at all, while others need to start small. It’s fantastic to see when they understand the principles and master their tasks. This mastery gives the inmates a spark of life and enhances their self-esteem.

One of the inmates nods in agreement, explaining that working in the workshop gives meaning to his everyday life and helps him to overcome his destructive thoughts.

“It’s like going to an ordinary job, in addition to learning a craft,’ he says.

High SecurityNaturally, security is of the highest priority in 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.

“We don’t want to spend ages getting out and putting away tools. It’s about trust. Everyone knows 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 everything is where it should be. If we find out that anything is missing, we sound the alarm!”

Personal safety in the carpentry workshop is safeguarded through strict procedures. No one is allowed to use a plane without thorough training, and individuals may only use machinery they know how to operate.

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.

“There are strict procedures relating to the operation of the workshop, but it is also based on trust. If inmates breach that trust, it has an impact on everyone working here,” says Jørgen Tvete.



Apprentices’ Final ExamsThe 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.”

“But everyone who has done a placement here receives a skills certificate. This can be the difference between being invited to interview or not in relation to job applications,” he says.

The woodworking workshop is very modern, with all equipment necessary for the production of advanced furniture and furnishings.



A MODERN, WHOLLY

D IG ITAL PR INT 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 training and skills for up to eight people, and is classified as a training establishment that can accommodate up to two apprentices.

“The apprentices receive individual support until they take their qualifying exams in media graphics,” says works officer Anders Johansson.

Media graphic designers work with the design and production of visual communication.

Well-Functioning Print ShopThe 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.

“We market ourselves on a small scale, but it is clear that satisfied customers say good things about us. This means an increasing number of people are aware of our services.”

Works officer and photographer Anders Johansson heads up Halden Prison Print, which is both a working business and a venue for graphic designer apprentices.

Working with software is an important aspect of digital printing. Anders Johansson provides expert guidance.

Big Things Have Small BeginningsOther than those who are training in the field of graphics, inmates who apply to the print shop generally have no relevant vocational skills. They are provided with their own training plan to ensure good progression and that their skills increase.

“At first, they participate in a range of tasks, while those who have been here longest can perform the full printing process - including working in programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator,” he says.

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