Indigenous graduates to take part in 'Prison officer in training program'

Six Indigenous Territorians are on their way to a career in correctional services after recently completing the inaugural Pre-prison officer in training program. This program is a subset of the Indigenous employment program, which has provided 145 Indigenous career seekers the opportunity to enter into a career in the Northern Territory Government since its inception in late 2009.

The graduates completed a Certificate II in community services, as well as participating in fitness training, and cross cultural and work readiness training. They will now enter the 12 month Prison officer in training program with the Department of Justice.

Minister for Business and Employment, Delia Lawrie, and Corrections Minister, Gerry McCarthy, congratulated the graduates of the 17 week pre-employment program.

'The Northern Territory Government is committed to providing increased employment opportunities for Indigenous people, and today's graduates can take great pride at going forward with the specific skills needed to succeed in a career in corrections,' Ms Lawrie said.

Corrections Minister Gerry McCarthy said training Indigenous corrections officers was integral to a new era in correction services.

Source: Northern Territory Government

Contacts

Media contact for Minister for Business and Employment, Delia Lawrie
Patrick Hastwell
Mobile: 0427 017 803

Media contact for Corrections Minister, Gerry McCarthy
Kelly Parkes
Mobile: 0419 409 958

Links

• View information: Indigenous employment program (IEP)
• View media release: Indigenous graduates forging new careers