The training program funded by the Waalitj foundation is a 16-unit qualification, including an excavator ticket, that will earn detainees taking part a Certificate II in Civil Construction.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said the initiatives are examples of the Department of Justice’s commitment to improving the lives of young people through education and rehabilitation.
“It’s promising to see young people who will leave Banksia Hill with skills, qualifications and prospects that they didn’t have when they came into our care,” he said.
“They’re setting a great example for other detainees to follow, and we wish them every success with the new opportunities their hard work will bring about.”
The training has doubled as a building project for the detainees taking part, with the group using the learning opportunity to renovate the Centre’s social visits area.
“The boys are really proud of what they’ve done,” Banksia Hill vocational teacher Nigel Reid said. “They’ll have family come to the visitor centre and see the work they’ve completed.”
“It’s good to know the Centre is getting something out of it,” one trainee said. “You’re not just moving dirt around - we’re going to see a finished product and make this part of the Centre look better.”
Another initiative has taken learning to a new level with a purpose-built mobile training trailer on-site for young people to practice their skills for specialised fields such as working at heights.
This training – and the trailer - is provided by Yalagan Group, a not-for-profit national registered training organisation.
“I’m passionate about giving our young people skills and qualifications they can take forward into the workplace, so the Yalagan trailer seemed like a really good fit,” vocational teacher Sharon Goodchild said.
If the pilot program is successful, it’s hoped the opportunity can be offered to other detainees.
