The National Probation Service is responsible for the training of probation officers.
To be accepted for training you will need to be a graduate with an honours degree in one of the following subjects (a joint/combined honours degree that includes a minimum of 50% of one of these is also acceptable)
- Criminology
- Police Studies
- Community Justice
- Criminal Justice
You will need to complete a work-based Graduate Diploma in Community Justice and a VQ5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
You will work with a caseload of offenders and receive on the job training in operational practice.
You will also undertake an academic programme of study by attending university workshops. The training usually takes around 15 months to complete and it is envisaged that you will undertake some of your work based learning on placement within Wales CRC.
Once qualified as a probation officer you are eligible to apply for positions as and when they arise either in NPS or Wales CRC.
Becoming a probation service officer in Wales CRC
PSOs tend to work with lower risk offenders. To become a PSO you will need to demonstrate you have the ability to work with people experiencing difficulties.
You will receive on the job training and mentor support as you develop your competence in risk assessment, supporting offenders to change, working in teams and promoting equality and diversity.
PSOs are required to undertake a work based VQ3 Diploma in Probation Practice which normally takes around 12 months. Information on the VQ5 and VQ3 Diplomas in Probation Practice can be found at www.cityandguilds.com
Please check our jobs page for upcoming opportunities.