New scheme fast-tracks veterans into prison service

Veterans are being encouraged to start a prison officer career with a new scheme fast-tracking them into the system.

The Government has launched the 'Advanced into Justice' scheme to get more veterans into work.

HM Prison and Probation Service claims the scheme highlights its commitment to Armed Forces personnel, recognising the transferable skills that veterans will bring to the workplace.

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Forces News spoke to Officer Fitzpatrick, now a prison officer at Wayland Prison in Norfolk, who served in the Queen's Royal Hussars for five years.

Officer Fitzpatrick spoke about the "very transferable" skills from the military into his new role.

He said: "The biggest thing I think we need is to talk. Transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and to want to help people, which is ultimately in both roles – the military and the prison service."