The Department of Corrective Services (DCS) aims to make a positive difference in the lives of offenders through a variety of rehabilitation and education programs.
Prisoners can take part in a wide range of education, vocational, life skills and employment preparation programs while in custody.
As a starting point, education staff at each prison help prisoners with basic education and literary skills.
Adult prisoners complete either education programs such as TAFE courses or vocational training in the form of apprenticeships and TAFE certificates.
In doing this, prisoners leave prison with a better chance of finding a job or continuing their education.
If you have any queries or need more information, call the Education and Vocational Training Unit on +61 8 9229 6550.
All prisoners serving sentences of 6 months or more have their literacy levels tested when they enter prison.
The Department's Education and Vocational Training Unit (EVTU) has received State and national awards for the training it delivers to prisoners. The aim of the training is to give offenders the best chance possible to find a job when they are released so the EVTU works with the Department of Education and Training, public and private registered training organisations and a network of government, industry and social service providers.
All courses are recognised as industry standard, meaning all qualifications and certificates are nationally recognised, giving prisoners better job prospects when they are released. All courses started in prison can be continued in the community at a TAFE college or with any other nationally registered public or private training provider.
Prisoners can study the following courses on a full-time or part-time basis:
The Prisoner Employment Program (PEP) is available to minimum-security prisoners who are getting close to being released. The program teams prisoners up with paid employment, education or work experience with the hope they will continue this employment or training once released.
The aim is to improve a prisoner's chance of getting a job, an apprenticeship or a TAFE course when they are released. The program also means prisoners can develop skills and support networks on the outside, making it easier for them to successfully re-enter the community.
All payment from employers is held in a secure account for prisoners until they are released.
If you are a business interested in taking on a prisoner for paid employment, work experience or education, refer to Business with us.