The bizarre way prisoners are taught to become scaffolders without using ladders

Inmates are taught how to build scaffolding in prison – without ladders to facilitate escape.

Instead, Lags are learning the craft with virtual reality headsets – the first time they’ve been left behind bars.

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The program aims to get them jobs after their release rather than return to crime.

The first VR headsets were used at Belmarsh Prison in south-east London.

They teach health and safety at height and have been gamified so that the prisoners must spot potentially deadly dangers within a certain amount of time.

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation has taught the course in six prisons, with delays that have three to six months to serve.

Training officer Henry Annafi, who pioneered it, said: “For some reason prisons don’t like it when we bring leaders in – so we came up with an alternative.

“The VR sets simulate being high up.

“You see these big, tough prisoners who think it’s going to be a no-brainer and then they get really scared when they feel like they’re 60 feet tall.

“I’ve seen some embarrassing situations where grown men literally cry.”

He added: “The program is aimed at anyone whose beliefs prevent them from entering the labor market.

“The construction industry has a good track record of giving people second chances.”

Taxpayers pay nothing for the system.

Excluded are sex offenders, child molesters or arsonists – who cannot work on construction sites for insurance reasons.

Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said: “Initiatives like this have a proven track record of matching prisoners to job opportunities.

“This will help grow the local economy, close skills gaps and protect the public – a win for all.”