THE Ministry of Justice has launched a non-graduate pathway for trainee probation officers – and there are five vacancies in the Warrington and Halton area.
It’s the first time in recent years there has been a non-graduate course for trainee probation officers and it includes learning on the job while earning a salary.
There are 50 vacancies across the whole of the North West.
Applications for this round of the programme are open until March 17.
Candidates will be selected based on application and assessed personality qualities, such as people-skills, appetite to learn and interest in helping offenders to make a positive change to their future.
Trainee probation officers, working as probation service officers (PSOs) during the programme, will learn on the job and study, via a university, to gain a fully funded Professional Qualification in Probation whilst earning a salary along the way. The non-graduate programme takes 27 months, while this is 15-21 months for applicants with a level 5 qualification, such as a university degree. Qualified probation officers can then apply for full-time roles with annual salaries starting at £35k depending on location.
Training combines academic theory, knowledge assessments and practical learning, to provide the best possible preparation for life as a probation officer. This includes spending time in a working probation office and study time, as well as probation work settings – such as a prison or court.
Natalie Howson, a probation learning lead said: “We are always looking for a diverse range of people to join the Probation Service. It’s such a varied job and every day brings new challenges, but our teams are incredibly supportive and learning is at the heart of the role.
“Introducing a new non-graduate route into becoming a probation officer opens up this rewarding career to so many more people who through their experience and personal skills will be of great value to the service. It is also a brilliant way to develop and gain a professional qualification to be proud of, alongside the important day to day work a probation officer does.”
To find out more about the training vacancies available and to apply visit https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/roles-at-hmpps/overview-of-the-probation-officer-role/probation-officer-training-pqip/ or search ‘ Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP)’
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