An Uber driver, a mental health nurse and an engineer are among 16 men and women who have decided to serve the community by becoming officers at Parklea Correctional Centre.
The 13 men and three women were welcomed into the corrections family today at a swearing-in ceremony at the Western Sydney prison, managed by MTC.
Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor said he was pleased to swear in the fourth class of graduates this year, meeting MTC’s ongoing commitment to operating a safe, decent and secure facility.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome the final graduates of the year into the Parklea family, as I’ve found my 35 years in the industry to be a very rewarding career,” Mr Taylor said.
“Corrections officers provide an important public service and in return they receive stable employment with opportunities for training and advancement in the various areas that are essential to running a prison.
“They play a vital role in keeping the community safe and help reduce reoffending, yet they are often overlooked, as they are not as visible as other frontline staff.
“Today enables us to shine a light on the work they do to protect the community and help reduce reoffending.”
Mr Taylor said the 16 graduates were as diverse as the community they will serve, coming from various occupations, different cultural backgrounds and ranging in age from 20 to 53.
“Extensive training is provided through our 10-week preparation course and no experience in corrections or a similar field is required,” Mr Taylor said.
“As a result, we receive applications from people from all walks of life with a range of career backgrounds and recruits are paid while they learn.
“For people who are looking for a challenge, corrections offers a unique workplace in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
“It also provides an opportunity to serve the community and make a difference to the lives of the men in our care by employing MTC’s decency and respect principles and BIONIC (Believe it or Not I Care) philosophy.
“I’m delighted to welcome our new officers to the Parklea team and I look forward to working with them.”
MTC’s rigorous 10-week Initial Training Course covers subjects such as policies and procedures, de-escalation and use of force tactics, mental health and general first aid. Trainees also participate in simulated search and emergency response exercises and weapons training.
Parklea has been operated by MTC on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since 2019.
