14 June
Seventeen new staff destined for careers at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility graduated from their six week Initial Training Course on Friday, with one receiving high praise from the Minister of Corrections Hon Judith Collins.
“Today's graduation marks the beginning of an important and rewarding new career for you all,” said Hon Judith Collins, attending the ceremony to present her Minister’s Excellence Award to one graduate who had performed above the required level during his training.
“You should all be very proud of your achievements. When you graduate today, you will not just be starting a new job, but you will be entering a career in which you can make New Zealand a better and safer place every day,” she said.
The winner of the Minister’s Excellence award was Arthur Ine. Arthur was described by his course manager as a good communicator who was particularly focussed on working as part of a team. Previously Arthur worked in security and mental health, and came to Corrections seeking a career change and the stability the role offered for his family.
The Minister of Corrections established the award to promote and honour excellence in graduates of the six week course. All new staff members must complete the course before working in a custodial role in a prison.
The new recruits have spent the last six weeks training at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility where they have learnt the basics in actively managing all types of prisoners and have covered modules in Corrections legislation, the Sentencing and Parole Acts, site and perimeter safety, managing prisoners’ visitors, drug reduction in prison, gang management and avoiding being compromised – or ‘getting got’ by prisoners among others.
Chief Executive Barry Matthews also welcomed graduates into their new employment.
“Congratulations and welcome to your new role. You should be very proud of the hard-work, dedication and diligence that has brought you here. I’m pleased to welcome you into the Department.
“From my experience, I know that people make an organisation and by working together, we draw on our collective strength.
“I hope you enjoy this new path you have chosen to tread. No two days are ever the same in a prison, and it is my hope that this challenges and motivates you.”
Now that their initial training is complete the graduates will complete an induction programme into the prison before being assigned to full operational duties. During the course of their career in the Prison Service they will continue to undertake workplace training toward National Certificates in Offender Management, refresher training and specialist role training as required.”
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