Deadline extended for jobs scheme fast-tracking forces veterans into the Prison Service
The deadline has been extended for a job scheme fast-tracking Armed Forces veterans and service leavers into the Prison Service.
Staff from HM Prison and Probation Service have urged veterans to follow in their footsteps by forging a "rewarding new career to help to break the cycle of crime and change lives".
Veterans and service leavers are being offered the opportunity through Advance into Justice (AiJ) to start a second career as a prison officer with the re-launch of a Government scheme designed to fast-track them into employment, with applications now open until 28 August.
AiJ aims to provide a stable career for former military personnel and service leavers – significantly reducing the length of the standard prison officer application process.
Now in its second year, the scheme has been expanded to include a wider range of prison-based jobs including operational support grade, physical education instructors and caterers, plus there are opportunities in a range of probation roles, including probation services officers, approved premises workers and case administrators.
The eligibility criteria has been widened to include veterans who left the Armed Forces within the last five years, those in the last 12 months of their service and their spouses or partners.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer said: "I have always been clear that securing stable employment is one of the best ways for veterans to successfully transition into civilian life. "That's why I'm delighted to see the Advance into Justice scheme being continued for another year, with Government taking the lead in showing others the benefits that our veterans can bring to any employer."
Luke Whitehead, 29, applied to join the Prison Service through last year's AiJ pilot having served for 12 years in the King's Royal Hussars regiment and said: "My dad served for 30 years in the Army before joining the Prison Service seven years ago, so I knew it would be an interesting job.
"He told me about the Advance into Justice scheme and, following a one-day assessment, I joined the team at HMP Winchester alongside him.
"Being in the Army is a lot like being a prison officer with a similar rank structure and camaraderie – I feel like I've fitted in instantly and I've really enjoyed it."
He went on: "You need to be able to talk to people and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes prisoners can be having a bad day and being able to chat to them after an issue has arisen can be really important.
"My advice to people in the forces who are thinking about becoming a prison officer would be to go for it. It's something different every day and you feel like you are making a real difference to prisoners' lives."
You are eligible to apply for the Advance into Justice scheme if you are:
- An Armed Forces service leaver in your last 12 months of service or in your agreed resettlement period
- A veteran within five years of leaving the UK Armed Forces – whether currently employed or unemployed
- The spouse or legal partner of an Armed Forces service leaver or veteran
More information about the scheme is available here.
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