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Pathway summary

Custody or Detention Officer

Framework:
Custody or Detention Officer
Level:
3

The main purpose of the role is to operate in a secure environment such as Detention Centres, Custodial Establishments and Custodial Services which are unique and often challenging places to work.

The people in the care of the Custody or Detention Officer will have a variety of different needs and display varied behaviours.

The role of the Custody or Detention Officer is to ensure those individuals are treated with dignity and respect and helped to find a new way of life whilst maintaining a safe, secure and structured environment.

Pathway options and levels

Custody or Detention Officer - Level 3

Supports the role of a Custody or Detention Officer.

Further information

Duration

Level 3: 18-24 months

Progression routes

Progression from this pathway, with further experience/training, may be into more senior roles within the Prison sector including:

  • Security First Line Manager
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Team Leader
  • Departmental Manager
  • Detention (IRC and Escorting roles)

Progression from this pathway may also be into other roles within the Justice and Community Safety sector, for example: Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) etc.

Qualifications

Level 3: SFJ Awards Diploma in the Management and Care of Individuals in Custody or Detention.

What are the entry requirements for this pathway?

All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);

Level 3

The following skills and attributes are essential to apprentices in this occupation:

  • good communication and influencing skills
  • commitment to quality
  • effective decision making
  • care and understanding
  • personal qualities and conduct

There are no formal entry conditions for this Pathway, however due to the nature of the work, applicants will be required to reach the age of 18 or over before applying to join this apprenticeship. Prior to being accepted as an apprentice, applicants will be subject to an online assessment test, if successful they will be invited to an assessment day.

This may include:

  • Role plays
  • Interview
  • Numerical, reading and writing tests
  • Health check and fitness test
  • Demonstration of specific organisational entry requirements
View full pathway

Document revisions

26 November 2021