Program key to filling upcoming corrections jobs: minister

FREDERICTON (GNB) - The provincial government is teaming up with the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) to help train the next generation of correctional officers.

The college's justice studies: public safety program is being offered in the municipality of Grand Lake in September. The two-year program will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in a variety of correctional institutions and environments, including federal, provincial and private security agencies.

"The department has invested heavily in recent budgets in law enforcement, and work has begun on a new correctional facility in the municipality of Grand Lake," said Public Safety Minister Kris Austin. "While it is exciting to offer all New Brunswickers the option to learn and work close to home, this is an incredible opportunity for young New Brunswickers. Corrections offers good-paying jobs with the opportunity for advancement."

In addition to skills and knowledge, students will have the opportunity to gain workplace experience through placements in a variety of criminal justice areas within the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

"The corrections field calls for a passion for helping others and skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making," said Ann Drennan, vice-president academic, innovation and student affairs at NBCC. "This program will ensure students get training aligned with industry needs. We are grateful to have the support of the province to expand the reach of our program so more people can develop the skills required to keep our communities safe - regardless of whether they live near one of our campuses or in a rural community."

The departments of Justice and Public Safety and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour are supporting NBCC with resources associated with introducing the program in Grand Lake. Prospective students will also be eligible for funding through the Training and Skills Development program if they visit a WorkingNB office and develop a career plan with an employment counsellor. The program provides grants to clients who meet its criteria, with a focus on helping them receive training or educational programs that allow them to return quickly to work.

"We continue to find ways to address the demands of New Brunswick's labour market," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Greg Turner. "We are proud to support NBCC with launching this program that will contribute to meeting the workforce demands of having a new jail in the region."

Details about the program are available on the NBCC website.

Information about corrections officer jobs, including application details, is available online.

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Media Contact(s)

Allan Dearing, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, [email protected].

Tara Chislett, communications, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, [email protected].

Charray Owen, strategic communications, New Brunswick Community College, [email protected].