Training of Prison Officer in Ghana and Abroad

All new prison officers in England and Wales will begin their career by completing a Custody and Detention Professional Apprenticeship which should take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Week 1 to 10: following a local induction at your ‘home’ prison you will go on a foundation training program at a designated learning center. This will usually be close to your ‘home’ prison location.

Week 11 to 25: you will be back at your ‘home’ location where you will carry on with your training with regular support from apprenticeship coaches.

You will also have two checkpoints to review your progress:

Checkpoint 1 (weeks 25 to 28)
This will include one week of portfolio work outside of your regular working area and one week at a Learning and Development Centre.

Checkpoint 2 (weeks 44 to 47)
You will spend one week at a designated learning center. This week is an opportunity to reflect on your current progress and prepare for the Gateway at the end of your apprenticeship.

You will receive full pay and expenses.

What to expect during training

The apprenticeship prepares you for life as a prison officer. You will learn and practice all the key skills and behaviors that are vital to the role including:

• how to look after people in custody
• search and security procedures
• de-escalation techniques

You will receive an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in custodial care and a Level 3 professional apprenticeship qualification in Custody and Detention when you complete the course.

Opportunity and progression

Training continues throughout your probation. There may be a further two-week residential course if you work in a high-security prison.

Training is available throughout your career. You could choose to specialize in working with vulnerable prisoners, become a dog handler, or train as a physical education instructor.