2 February 2026
The first cohort of trainee correctional officers for 2026 have started their careers with the Department of Corrections.
A total of 40 trainees from across the Northern Territory, interstate and overseas were officially welcomed to the training college at Darwin Correctional Centre on Tuesday, January 27.
An additional 11 experienced correctional officers were also welcomed to Corrections, hailing from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The new recruits come to Corrections with backgrounds in health, trades, security, retail, small business and the military.
The group were chosen from a pool of over 500 applicants and make up one of the largest correctional officer intakes.
The trainee correctional officers (TCOs) will cover a range of practical and theoretical components as part of their 11-week training course, with the experienced correctional officers to undertake an accelerated program.
The training course will equip the new recruits with the critical skills to support, manage and supervise prisoners, and facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration.
The trainee correctional officers will also complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice over 12 months.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley welcomed the trainees and experienced officers to Corrections, saying it is one of the most important community safety roles in the Northern Territory.
"We're really proud that you've chosen to step up, to wear this uniform, to help make the community safer," Commissioner Varley said.
"When people come into our custody or our supervision, we want to offer them not only a chance to repay their debt to society, but to also gain skills and undertake rehabilitation programs to ultimately give themselves a better chance at life."
Trainee Correctional Officer Kyle Webb, a former property and project manager and security guard said he chose a career with Corrections for the work-life balance and diverse career paths offered.
"You do put in heavy hours, and you do do a lot of work but…if you want that nice holiday once a year where you're travelling somewhere, [the shift work] really does give you the freedom to do it," Mr Webb said.
Mr Webb added that he is also keen to make a difference to those in custody and the community more broadly.
Trainee Correctional Officer Tan Le, who has been a barber for 16 years, and also worked as a security guard said he is excited to learn the role.
"I'm definitely a hands-on kind of person, I love problem-solving...I understand the importance of working in a team for any workplace." Mr Le said.
Upon becoming correctional officers, further career development opportunities are available in custodial, industries and other specialist streams.
The next training course will commence on April 27 in Darwin and June 1 in Alice Springs.
