Prison officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through an apprenticeship or by applying directly.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Custody and Detention Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to be a prison officer. You do not need qualifications as personal qualities are more important in this role.

You'll need to take an online test to check your judgement and number skills.

If you pass, you'll attend an assessment day where you'll be tested on your:

• number, reading and writing skills
• fitness
• health, hearing and eyesight

You'll also have an interview and take part in role plays to see if you have the right personal qualities to be a prison officer.

More information

You can find out more about how to become a prison officer from HM Prison and Probation Service .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Prison officers supervise people who are in prisons, remand centres and young offenders' institutions.

As a prison officer you could:

• keep prisoners secure and support anyone who is vulnerable
• carry out security checks and searches
• maintain order, sometimes using authorised physical control and restraint
• go with prisoners on external visits, like to court or appointments
• prepare prisoners for release through rehabilitation programmes
• update records, write reports and promote anti bullying and suicide prevention policies

Location : You could work in a prison.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £30,702
Experienced : £38,165

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• train and move into specialist projects like rehabilitation work with groups of prisoners and their families
• become a supervising officer, custodial manager or head of function
• move up to become a deputy governor or prisoner governor