• Department of Justice to hold Prison Officer training in regional locations
• Three-month paid course means recruits can gain employment without leaving local community
• Training programs to be held in Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder   

Educators from the Corrective Services Academy will hold Prison Officer training courses in country Western Australia, enabling local community members to start a new career without having to leave their hometown.

Traditionally, regional applicants applying to work in a local prison would need to complete a 12-week paid program in Perth before returning to their local community to join the workforce.

Expanding the Corrective Services workforce will help Commissioner Brad Royce enhance safety of his workforce, prisoners and the public more broadly.

The Department of Justice is preparing to host training courses in Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 2024. The first course is scheduled to begin in Albany in May, following recent information sessions which attracted 69potential Prison Officers.

Recruits are paid $66,658 per annum to complete the course, with their salary increasing to $86,156 - $97,107 (plus superannuation) when qualified and on the job.

For more information visit the Department of Justice website: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-justice/prison-officer.

Comments attributed to Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia:

"Prison Officers are an essential part of ensuring we have safe communities throughout Western Australia.

"Leaving family and friends to spend months training in Perth can be a deterrent for some potential recruits who are eager to live and contribute to their local community. Hosting local training courses throughout country WA removes that barrier.

"Regional training courses received a great response last time they were held, and this current recruitment drive is already proving valuable with an impressive level of interest in the first information sessions held in Albany."