More than 20 job seekers, including one from Macksville, have graduated from a pre-employment program specifically developed to equip Aboriginal recruits with skills to become correctional officers.
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The Justice Aboriginal Pre-Employment Program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to obtain a Certificate II in Community Services as a pathway to becoming a correctional officer in NSW.
Minister for Corrections David Elliott congratulated the inaugural class of 21 women and four men from across NSW during a graduation ceremony at Campbelltown TAFE last week.
“This is a powerful employment path for Aboriginal people who are interested in a career in corrective services. The program allows students to work alongside officers of all ages and cultural backgrounds and help to reduce reoffending,” Mr Elliott said.
“Graduates receive training for roles in health or community services, custodial operations, and also ways of promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Small Business and Skills John Barilaro said the program enables graduates to seek work at centres across NSW.
“Correctional centres provide jobs and economic opportunities in regional and remote communities, so many of these graduates will be able to work where they have a connection to the land,” he said.