New graduate scheme to provide management jobs and training in the UK prison service

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is launching a graduate training programme this December. The scheme, which will begin in 2010, has a starting salary of £22,000, raising to over £30,000 after 12-18 months.

Graduates will go through initial training at the HM Prison Service Training Centre in Rugby to take on prison officer roles before moving in to managerial roles within the prison service. There will also be the opportunity of placements in NOMS HQ and the Ministry of Justice. Structured management training will be available throughout the 3 year training period.

The programme offers graduates the chance to make a difference to future prison policy and make a positive impact on the justice system. Jim Heavens, head of resourcing at NOMS explains: "We need graduates with the right resilience and empathy to take on this important challenge, and the rewards are the satisfaction of a career with major responsibility from the beginning, a job in which you can truly make a mark on society, and in addition a great benefits package." Applications open in mid-December with roles starting in October 2010. Candidates must have, or be expecting a 2.1. The application process will involve psychometric testing, an assessment scenario, a written paper and an interview.