ACT Corrective Services
ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) is committed to the ongoing improvement of the educational and practical skills of all staff involved in offender management.
In 2002, ACTCS continued to recruit and train custodial officers against the national qualification Certificate III in Correctional Practice. A number of improvements have been made to the recruitment and training program, including a more practical and holistic approach to the assessment of recruits during their traineeship, and the introduction of a mentoring scheme to support new staff and facilitate their learning. In addition, approximately 20 existing officers completed their ‘Train Small Groups’ qualification, which provides ACTCS with a pool of experienced officers to provide training to new staff.
In March 2002 ACTCS, in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology, offered the Certificate IV in Correctional Practice to existing officers. Approximately 40 officers will have completed this course of study by December 2002. Officers undertaking this course of study have built on the knowledge gained at Certificate III level in Custodial Services, and have also gained a Certificate IV in Correctional Practice (Community). This has expanded the skill base for those officers, to enable them to work within other areas of the organisation and justice system.
ACTCS, in conjunction with ACT Youth Justice Services (ACTYJS), have been recognised at the ACT and National Training Excellence Awards for their commitment to the development and education of staff. In August, ACTCS and ACTYJS were joint finalists in the category ‘Employer of the Year ACT Training Excellence Awards. In November, the organisations were jointly presented with the Corrective Services Industry Award at the Australian Training Awards
For further information please contact Julie Nolan, Senior Training Officer, julie.nolan@act.gov.au