A former firefighter, ex-police officer and delivery driver were among the men and women to graduate from the Corrective Services Youth Custodial Officer Entry Level Training Program today.
While some of the 21 were Perth born and bred, others were from regional WA, across the ditch in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, India and even Venezuela.
“The young people who come into our care come from all kinds of backgrounds,” said Commissioner for Corrective Services Mike Reynolds.
“By recruiting people who have different lived experiences, we are hopeful that each young person will be able to form a rapport with staff members.”
“Those positive relationships are key in the rehabilitative journey.”
Many of the new Officers have prior experience working with young people.
Graduate, Brodie, was working with adults at Acacia Prison as a Prison Officer before he decided he wanted to make the shift.
“I wanted to be able to be more interactive and to really get a chance to help the boys and girls turn their lives around.”
