Work in Prison
Inmates are usually not allowed to work in the first one third of their sentence. You can apply for work, but such opportunities are limited, depending on what’s available. It is also usually available for those with longer sentences of a year or more. If you work, you will be paid a small amount ranging from 30 cents to $2.60 per hour . Your earnings can be used to buy food and other items within the prison, and these are usually items in the vending machine. The work which prisoners engage in can range from being a "cookie" (delivering meals, doing laundry, cooking and other operational work) to working in workshops set up by private companies contracted by the prisons.
Study in Prison
Inmates can sit for the 'O' or 'A' Level examinations at the Tanah Merah Prison School. Inmates may also pursue a Diploma in Business Practice. Admission is based on the inmates' academic qualifications, their conduct in prison, as well as recommendations from supervisors.