Islanders looking for a new career opportunity in correctional services will soon be able to take an accelerated and subsidized program at the Atlantic Police Academy in Slemon Park, Summerside.
Students will learn about crisis management, intervention and de-escalation, workplace health and safety, Canadian law, ethics and professionalism, psychology specific to the field of corrections, as well as training in defensive driving.
“The Atlantic Police Academy is pleased to work with the Province to offer an accelerated program to prepare future Island correctional officers,” said Forrest Spencer, Executive Director of the Atlantic Police Academy. “This partnership is a great example of how we can work together to find a solution that will help us train those looking for a new career right here in our province.”
The program will run as a pilot and the province will subsidize a dozen students through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement and Workforce Development Agreement to take part in this training designed specifically for a career in correctional services. Participants will take part in 15 weeks of course work and seven weeks of on the job training at either the Provincial Correctional Centre or Prince County Correctional Centre. When students successfully complete the program, they will be eligible for employment at one of the Island correctional centres.
“In Prince Edward Island and across the country, we’re facing challenges finding qualified people to work in correctional facilities. I’m very proud of this partnership with Holland College’s Atlantic Police Academy. It’s especially exciting to be able to offer this program at a subsidized cost. I hope Islanders will take advantage of this opportunity and explore a field that not only protects the public but also helps adult offenders rehabilitate.”
- Justice and Public Safety Minister Bloyce Thompson
Applications will be accepted until January 29, 2021.
Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Department of Justice and Public Safety
vickitse@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)
Backgrounder
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this program:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status
- Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
- Must be 19 years of age by program start date
- Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) (link is external) with no findings of guilt.
- Successful completion of a full background check. Please download and complete the Consent to Criminal Record and Background Check Form (link is external)
- Valid Class 5 (cars and light trucks) driver’s license (students holding restricted or graduated licenses must abide by the conditions of the license)
- Completion of an APA Medical Form (link is external)
- Three letters of reference (link is external), not from family members
- Completion of Immunization Verification Form (link is external) (Required after acceptance)
- Certification in Standard First Aid, CPR Level C and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (must be valid for the duration of the program)
- Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program