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Prison officer apprenticeships

Prison service officers (below principal officer) > Prison Officer

Emergency and uniform services

Prison officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly


    • Apprenticeship

    You could complete a Level 3 apprenticeship as a custody and detention officer. To do this apprenticeship, you'll need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths.

     

    Direct Application
    You do not need qualifications to apply directly to be a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important. You'll need to take an online test to check your judgement and your number skills. If you pass, you'll attend an assessment day where you'll: 

    • take another number test
    • take a reading and writing test 
    • take part in role plays to see if you have the right personal qualities for the job 
    • take fitness tests 
    • have a medical and eyesight test
    • be interviewed 

    Prison officer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of public safety and security
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • leadership skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Restrictions and Requirements

    You'll need to:

    • pass enhanced background checks
    • be over 18 years of age 
    • pass a medical check

    Prison officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • keep inmates secure 
    • carry out security checks and searches
    • supervise prisoners and maintain order - this can involve authorised physical control and restraint 
    • support vulnerable prisoners 
    • promote anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies 
    • go with prisoners on external visits like court appearances or hospital appointments 
    • prepare inmates for release through rehabilitation programmes
    • update records and write reports on prisoners
    Working environment
    You could work in a prison. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Prison officer apprenticeships

    With experience and training you could move into specialist projects, like rehabilitation work with specific groups of prisoners and their families. You could become a supervising officer, custodial manager, head of function, deputy governor or governor.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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