Corrective Services says the Wooroloo Prison Farm is to expand its traineeship program for prisoners this year to enhance their job prospects upon release.
Commissioner for Corrective Services, Mike Reynolds said the program would particularly address industries experiencing skills shortages.
“The new traineeships are in the automotive and horticulture streams,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“New barista and barber training will also be introduced at the prison,” he said.
“The expansion follows a 17 per cent increase in prisoners undertaking traineeships at Wooroloo and its Dowerin Work Camp in 2021 and supports a key recommendation of the Office of Inspector of Custodial Services.”
Commissioner Reynolds said research clearly showed that prisoner trainees who gained employment upon release were much less likely to reoffend.
“The traineeships provide opportunities for prisoners to get realistic work experience and gain skills and accredited training to enhance their employment opportunities on release,” he said.
“It’s a win-win outcome for the prisoners and the community.
“It provides a pathway for prisoners exiting the criminal justice system to engage in meaningful employment when they return to the community.”
Commissioner Reynolds said Corrective Services was committed to increasing its traineeship and apprentice capability at Wooroloo and continued to explore new opportunities.
He said 41 prisoners completed traineeships last year, acquiring potentially life-changing skills in industry areas such as rural operations, cleaning, hospitality, construction, laundry, furniture making and engineering fabrication.
