A program that has helped open doors to a career in the NSW Police and other justice and emergency services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state will commence at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri this month.
The award-winning Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery Program (IPROWD) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join NSW Police or other emergency services by building skills and preparing them for further study.
TAFE NSW Senior Manager of Aboriginal Engagement, Sharon Taylor said the program provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Indigenous community to start a rewarding career.
“This is the type of opportunity that doesn’t come along very often and if people grab it by the horns and give it a go, it can literally change their lives,” Sharon said.
“It gives students a great insight into what is expected if they’re going into the emergency services field but also gives them a pathway opportunity to further study.”
As part of the 18-week face-to-face program students spend four days at the NSW Police Force Academy in Goulburn. IPROWD students graduate with a Certificate III in Vocational and Study Pathways.
TAFE NSW IPROWD Project Coordinator, Rob Brown said the program armed graduates with improved literacy and numeracy skills, communication skills, fitness and IT skills.
“It’s a great program for building confidence and the feedback we receive from graduates is exemplary,” Rob said.
“Graduates receive great post-course support with job applications and assistance with recruitment processes. The course has such a huge impact on people’s lives and communities.”
More than 160 IPROWD graduates have joined NSW Police, while others are now employed by the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, NSW Corrective Services and other emergency services.
Other students have moved into careers with Local and State Government or moved on to complete further study at tertiary level.
The course commences on 15 February at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri.
IMAGE | Previous IPROWD cohort graduating from TAFE NSW.
