You're hired: Convicted bank robber becomes first prisoner with paid apprenticeship

By Daily Mail Reporter

A convicted bank robber today became Britain's first prisoner to be given a paid apprenticeship - while still behind bars.

Reuben Reynolds, 30, was a member of a four-man gang which netted £250,000 using stolen pick-up trucks to rip ATM machines from the walls of shops and banks in a five-month spree.

He was jailed for four years at Lincoln Magistrates' Court in November 2009 after admitting one count of conspiracy to steal.

Reynolds will now work for housing firm The Gelder Group after being freed from his cell at HMP Lincoln to work five days a week as a £3.60-an-hour trainee builder.

But Reynolds, who is now studying an NVQ in maintenance, will continue o be monitored by the Prison Service and must sleep in his prison cell every night. Furthermore he cannot spend a penny of his earnings until he is released.

A spokesman for The Gelder Group said the apprenticeship will be cancelled if Reynolds steps out of line.

She said: 'He's a very lucky boy. He's determined to turn his life around and get back on the straight and narrow.

'He will be closely monitored by us and the Prison Service. He's got too much to lose if it goes wrong.

'He will be working on our new build house and insurance and renovations so homeowners will be told and have the choice to say no if they wish.

'But Reuben has already been working for free on work experience and no one has had any problems.'

The apprenticeship course includes painting and decorating, plastering and carpentry through the Sturton-by-Stow firm's new training academy.

He worked several weeks for free on work experience before being interviewed for the position and agreed terms on Friday.

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