Four female detainees at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre have become the first group of girls to graduate from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Youth in Emergency Services (YES) Program.
The program was run at the Banksia Hill facility in collaboration with the Department of Justice.
A spokesperson for DFES said the detainees learned crucial skills during their YES training.
“Not only did they learn about first aid and firefighting, which could equip them should they wish to make firefighting a future career, but they also developed communication and teamwork skills which are just as important for their growth and rehabilitative journey,” the spokesperson said.
The Department of Justice said the YES Program was just one of the education and training opportunities available to young people in custody.
In addition to traditional school education, including numeracy and literacy run by highly regarded teachers, detainees also had access to music lessons, football and other sport activities and could even take part in the Army Cadets.
They can also earn work-ready qualifications including a Construction White Card or commercial barista training.
“Dedicated staff, including Recreation and Vocational Support Officers, support the young people in access programs and training that will help them explore new pathways,” the Department said.
