Training Minister Peter Collier has today congratulated the first graduates of a unique program at Acacia Prison.
The Certificate IV in Small Business Management program was developed as a partnership between CY O’Connor College of TAFE in Northam and Acacia Prison’s registered training organisation, ASPAC Training.
“This is the first time that the prison’s education centre has teamed up with a TAFE college in Western Australia to provide added expertise in the classroom,” Mr Collier said.
“It was an opportunity to further broaden the range of study and vocational training options available to prisoners.”
The course was delivered by lecturing staff from the college, with 63 prisoners taking part and nine completing the full Certificate IV program.
A further 26 prisoners received a Statement of Attainment in recognition of the work they have completed to date, while another 10 received special awards to recognise their efforts.
“Education and training is a critical building block to ensure access and employability for people in the world of work, especially after they leave prison,” the Minister said.
“The partnership with CY O’Connor has been very encouraging and will continue to be a feature at Acacia.”
Mr Collier said training delivered at Acacia Prison was aligned with the Liberal-National Government’s vision set out in Training WA - a blueprint unveiled in May to transform the State’s training system.
“It is important that all Western Australians don’t miss out on broader training and employment opportunities that are starting to unfold in our State,” he said.
“WA is leading the reform of the training system nationally to make it more responsive and flexible, with industry an important partner in achieving this reform.”
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