Can't get Apprenticeship/Training role after leaving Prison
Finished a prison sentence last December and been trying to get an apprenticeship in an engineering field since then. Have a half-finished engineering HNC from before my sentence and some experience of working on electrics and fabricating/welding.
I had an offer from National Grid but this was rugpulled for 'risk management' despite it claiming to be a good employer for ex-offenders. Had an offer for Network rail which was the same.
Employers literally will not touch me when disclosure comes up. My conviction was for DV but my case didn't even involve violence, just threats. Probation gave 0 help in trying to re-enter work and won't interact with me as the sentence is over. Been working with an ex-offenders service through the job centre which tells me im doing everything right, but still not getting results. Was told I basically had no chance of getting SC/DV jobs until at least the conviction is spent in 2029 and had solid evidence of good employment and behaviour for a few years.
I worked on A-levels in prison for Maths and Physics and just finished these a couple weeks ago so depending on results could do a Uni course, but i'm 25 and just want to start working and earning and move out, not just sit around at Uni for 4/5 years. Applied to a few local colleges to finish the engineering HNC but not getting in due to 'safeguarding'.
I'm considering sacking off this year and reapplying to everything next year with the addition of the A-levels and maybe the finished HNC if done via online. I know its hard getting a job even without a conviction but it just feels fucking bleak.
I worked at Tesco for 3 years and I can't even get a job in the local Aldi ffs.
I know i'm at least doing some things right because of the 4 interviews I've had, I've gotten 3 offers, but they just never got past clearance/disclosure.
I have an autism diagnosis so i'm going to start shimmying that in future applications to get disability confident scheme interviews and to link that to disclosure where possible, but obvs dont want to just shift all the blame onto that.
Has anybody got any advice on turning things around and getting success?
Attached my CV and template cover letter for reference.