The number of inmates in NSW correctional facilities completing traineeships has more than doubled in the past four years, with offenders learning new skills and improving their job prospects post-release.
While many inmates enter prison with limited education or work experience, traineeships inside correctional centres address these gaps and provide them with nationally recognised qualifications and practical job skills, with the aim to reduce reoffending across the state.
Education and skills training plays an important role in reducing recidivism, with BOCSAR data from 2021 revealing that 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 Department of Education's Training Services provides funding and regulatory support for these vocational education programs, delivered to inmates through Corrective Services Industries.
Through the Smart and Skilled program, the NSW Government is also giving inmates access to quality training that builds real-world skills and supports rehabilitation.
A strong partnership between the Department of Education and Corrective Services NSW has meant training providers, such as TAFE NSW, can deliver courses in areas of skills shortage, with fees waived for eligible inmates.
In the past financial year, there were 906 inmate trainee participants within Corrective Services NSW correctional facilities - a significant increase since 2021, when there were 250 inmate trainees.
For example, at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre within the Long Bay Correctional Complex, there are currently 39 inmates studying and completing skills courses with registered training providers, including TAFE NSW.
These traineeships take place across numerous industries, including the Reg Boys Bakery and print unit.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, and Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong visited these two industry units on Tuesday to see the operational model first-hand.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"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.
"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:
"These traineeships are excellent demonstrations of our agencies working together to deliver real outcomes.
"The Regs Boys Bakery and the Print Unit are two shining examples of the range of skills training provided to inmates, ranging from hospitality to logistics to construction.
"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 PSM said:
"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."
