Inmates across New England’s two correctional facilities are being given the chance to build brighter futures, with a surge in vocational training and traineeships designed to equip them with qualifications and real-world skills before release.
The number of inmates in NSW correctional facilities completing traineeships has more than doubled in the past four years, growing from 250 participants in 2021 to 906 in the most recent financial year. The increase reflects a shift towards rehabilitation through education, aimed at reducing reoffending and creating pathways to employment.
Inmates have gained workplace licences and part qualifications in areas including crane operation, dogging, forklift driving, first aid, food safety, cleaning operations, and restricted height scaffolding. At Glen Innes Correctional Centre, 23 inmates have completed traineeships and achieved a Certificate II in Construction Pathways over the past two years while building homes for in need communities, while a number of inmates at Tamworth have obtained part qualifications in Food Safety and Cleaning Operations.
According to Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data from 2021, 12 months after inmate trainees were released from custody, there was a 45 per cent reduction in property offending among all groups of trainees. The evidence highlights the role education plays in rehabilitation and safer communities.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said education and vocational training were central to the government’s approach to rehabilitation.
“Community safety is one of the Minns Labor Government’s top priorities. We are committed to keeping our communities safer by reducing reoffending and supporting rehabilitation through education and vocational training,” said Mr Chanthivong.
“These vocational education programs are currently enabling more than 500 inmates across NSW correctional facilities real opportunities to turn their lives around. It takes collaboration across agencies and communities to break the cycle of reoffending, and together, we are working to turn challenges into opportunities.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the programs demonstrate the benefits of government agencies working together.
Training is funded and regulated by the Department of Education’s Training Services, with delivery supported by Corrective Services Industries. Through the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program, inmates can access courses in areas of skill shortage, with fees waived for eligible participants.
“These are nationally recognised qualifications that are not only instrumental to improving inmates’ employability but also developing their personal confidence and self-esteem. We are proud to provide inmates with these quality opportunities to participate in meaningful work and develop skills they can use in the community upon their release.”
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon said rehabilitation was the key to safer communities.
“Rehabilitation is the path to reducing reoffending. When we equip inmates with skills and confidence, we open doors for their future in the community.
“Every individual has the potential to change, and our role is to guide and support that change, restoring hope and dignity,” said Mr McCahon.
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