The First Tattoo Training Provider to Deliver Across HM Prisons in the UK

Elever is proud to be the first tattoo training provider to deliver professional tattoo education across HM Prisons in the UK.

What started as an ambitious idea has become a pioneering programme that is changing lives, creating opportunities and redefining what vocational education can look like within the prison estate.

We recognised that while many prison education programmes focus on traditional trades, there was an untapped opportunity within the creative industries. Tattooing is a respected profession that combines technical skill, creativity, discipline and entrepreneurship. Yet until now, it had never been delivered as a structured vocational training programme within HM Prisons.

That changed with Elever.

Creating Opportunities Where They Didn’t Exist

Our mission has always been simple: provide people with real skills that can lead to real careers.

Through our tattoo training programme, learners are introduced to the professional standards expected within the industry. They develop knowledge in health and safety, infection prevention, equipment handling, design principles, customer care, professionalism and portfolio development.

More importantly, they begin to believe in themselves.

Throughout every course we have witnessed remarkable transformations. Learners who arrived lacking confidence have left with renewed ambition, practical skills and a clear vision for their future.

Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Our tattoo programmes are about far more than learning a craft.

They are about rebuilding confidence, developing resilience and showing learners that their past does not have to define their future.

Tattooing offers a genuine route into self-employment and entrepreneurship. For many individuals leaving custody, this creates an opportunity to build a sustainable career based on talent, commitment and hard work.

By providing industry-led education before release, we are helping bridge the gap between custody and employment.

Delivering Success Across the Prison Estate

Since launching our prison programmes, Elever has successfully delivered tattoo training across multiple HM Prisons, working in partnership with prison education providers and rehabilitation teams who share our belief that innovative education changes lives.

The response has been overwhelming.

Learners consistently demonstrate exceptional commitment, creativity and professionalism throughout the programme, proving that when people are given meaningful opportunities, they rise to the challenge.

Every course delivered strengthens our belief that vocational education should evolve alongside the industries it serves.

Raising Standards for the Tattoo Industry

As leaders in tattoo education, we believe quality training is essential.

Our programmes introduce learners to the standards expected by professional studios, ensuring they understand not only the artistic side of tattooing but also the responsibility that comes with working safely, ethically and professionally.

By setting these standards from the very beginning, we are helping shape the next generation of tattoo artists.

Looking Ahead

Being the first is an achievement we are incredibly proud of—but it is only the beginning.

Our vision is to expand tattoo education across more HM Prisons, creating opportunities for even more learners to develop skills, confidence and hope for the future.

Every learner represents a life with potential.

Every course represents another opportunity to reduce reoffending through meaningful employment.

At Elever, we are not simply delivering tattoo training—we are pioneering a new model of rehabilitation through creativity, education and opportunity.

As the first tattoo training provider to deliver across HM Prisons in the UK, we remain committed to proving that when people are given the right skills and the right support, extraordinary change is possible.