A 30-year-old who was sent to prison for 17 months started the process of turning his life around by studying for AS-levels and an NVQ.
During his time in prison, William Nichols achieved an NVQ qualification in IT and gained AS-levels in English and maths, reports Kent Online.
He also started studying for a degree in psychology through a distance learning provider.
Mr Nichols said that the degree would take him about five years to complete and that at the end of his studies he would like to become a drugs counsellor.
In the meantime, the adult learner is using his newfound qualifications to set up his own business.
He has launched a male escort service to provide women with a chaperone to functions and events.
"There's no funny stuff, I want it to be a reputable business. It's aimed at busy career-minded women in big cities," he explained.
Mr Nichols added that running his own business is "something I've always wanted to do".
"My hope is that once I'm established I'll recruit others and I'll run the business side of things. I'm confident it will work," he added.
Last month, former NVQ student Perry Johnson launched her own beauty therapy venture in Caversham after obtaining her qualifications in 2004.
The Reading Chronicle reported that she had spent the last few years building up a client base in the area and saving up enough money to get her own premises.
Before starting work, she completed NVQ courses in beauty therapy at levels two and three.
To improve your English and maths skills take a look at the courses available, they cater for all levels of learners.