Tasmania’s correctional workforce has been boosted with 16 new recruits starting training with the Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) today.
Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Madeleine Ogilvie, welcomed the new recruits and said getting the right people for the job was key to improving rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes in the state’s Corrections system.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to invest in our corrections workforce, I am pleased to welcome our newest recruits,” said Minister Ogilvie.
“I am pleased to see the diversity of our new recruits.
“Our new recruits are comprised of eight men and eight women, who range in ages from 25 to 45-years-old and come from a wide range of backgrounds including aged care, disability support work, security, banking, hair dressing, fisheries and education.”
The recruits will undertake an intensive 11-week training program that combines classroom learning with on the job placements, before being posted in various TPS facilities.
Along with the recruits graduating from the bridging school last month, the latest cohort brings the total number of new recruits employed since 2016 to 346.
“We are committed to investing in our next generation of leaders and building capability and culture within our corrections staff,” the Minister said.
“Investing in our people will support improved rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes for offenders and lead to a safer Tasmania.”
The Tasmania Prison Service is continuing its largest ever recruitment campaign to attract new correctional staff, including getting people from other industries to move to corrections and encouraging existing correctional staff in other jurisdictions to relocate to Tasmania.
“A career in corrections, while challenging, can also be an incredibly rewarding and unique opportunity to help people change their lives and make our community a safer place,” said Minister Ogilvie.
Applications for future recruit schools are now being accepted and anyone considering a career in corrections can learn more by visiting the dedicated TPS recruitment website – https://correctionscareers.tas.gov.au/.