Élever Tattoo Training: Pioneering Change in Rehabilitation

1. We Don’t Just Teach Tattooing — We Change Lives

At Élever, we’ve never just focused on technique. We believe that tattooing is more than art — it’s a pathway to purpose. For many of our students, especially those inside the prison system, this is their first chance to build a real, creative, and employable skill that resonates with their identity and passion.

We were chosen because our mission aligns directly with what the prison system aims to achieve: rehabilitation through real opportunity.

2. The Only Accredited Tattoo Qualification in the UK and Europe

Let’s be clear — Élever offers the first comprehensive tattoo and piercing training available in the UK and Europe. Our courses are not recycled materials from old tattoo manuals or YouTube tutorials. They’re designed in collaboration with industry professionals, mapped to rigorous standards, and created to be transferable into real careers.

This means our prison learners walk away with a skills and apprenticeships placement that holds weight — not just inside prison walls, but out in the real world.

3. We Create Pathways — Not Dead Ends

One of the biggest issues with prison education is that learners often leave with nowhere to go. That’s where Élever stands out. We’ve built an ecosystem of genuine apprenticeships, studio placements, and aftercare support to ensure no one is left hanging after release.

It’s not just about learning to tattoo. It’s about helping people step back into society with dignity, skill, and confidence.

Alan Lofts PET

4. A Culture That Speaks Their Language

Tyrone and Barrington

We don’t show up in suits and ties with boring PowerPoints. At Élever, we understand the culture inside prisons because we’ve lived it, worked in it, and trained through it. We’re authentic — and that’s what earns trust. Our trainers bring respect, relatability, and realism to every session, turning classrooms into safe spaces for self-expression and progress.

5. Tattooing is a Profession That Doesn’t Judge

Many ex-offenders face closed doors when they re-enter the job market. Tattooing is one of the few creative professions that doesn’t care where you’ve come from — it cares about your skill, your story, and your commitment. That’s why we believe so strongly in it as a rehabilitation tool. Tattooing doesn’t just give people a job — it gives them back their identity.

6. Leading a Movement, Not Following a Trend

Article in Inside Times

Élever Tattoo Training isn’t just doing this for headlines — we’re building a movement. Our work in prisons is about rewriting the narrative around what tattoo education can do, who it’s for, and where it can take you. We’re proving that with the right tools and training, anyone can rise — even from behind bars.

7. The Impact of Our Training

The impact of our training extends beyond the classroom. We see transformations in our students that are truly inspiring. They gain not only technical skills but also self-esteem and a renewed sense of purpose. Many have shared how tattooing has helped them connect with their past while also paving the way for a brighter future.

Imagine a student who once felt lost and disconnected. Through our program, they learn to express themselves artistically. This newfound skill allows them to share their story through their art, creating a sense of pride and accomplishment.

8. Building a Supportive Community

At Élever, we believe in the power of community. Our students become part of a supportive network that encourages growth and development. We foster relationships that extend beyond the classroom, helping our learners build connections that last a lifetime.

This community is vital for those transitioning back into society. It provides a safety net, ensuring that they have people to turn to for advice, mentorship, and support.

9. A Bright Future Awaits

The future is bright for our graduates. With the skills they gain at Élever, they are well-equipped to enter the tattoo industry. Many go on to work in reputable studios, while others choose to start their own businesses.

We believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and we are committed to providing the tools necessary for our students to thrive.

📍 Want to support our mission or learn more about what we do? Follow us on Instagram @elever_training_institute, or get in touch via www.eleverinstitute.com. Together, let’s build a more inclusive, skilled, and artistic future — one tattoo at a time.

Prisoner feedback