HMP Ford expects each prisoner to be in full employment and all offenders arriving at Ford will be required to work either within the establishment or in the community (following thorough risk assessment).
Internal work opportunities include, farms and gardens, kitchens and the usual orderly positions. There is vocational work in workshops including Travis Perkins, DHL and engineering.
External work is encouraged either via community service placements or paid resettlement depending on the criteria and risk assessment of the prisoner. Education, in conjunction with the Manchester College, provides a wider range of courses both internal and external of the establishment enabling offenders to gain key vocational and academic qualifications. A number of support groups are available to support offenders with differing issues ranging from sexual orientation to bereavement counseling.