Vocational Programs
Inmates are allocated to vocational programs from the assessment of Sentence Management and authorized by the Inmate Review Board (IRB). This information is disseminated and implemented as the inmate’s individual Sentence Plan.
Animal Husbandry
This programme teaches inmates how to care for animals. Disciplines taught are nutrition, reproduction, day-to-day care, grazing, rearing of livestock and animal handling techniques of the varying species reared at the Prison Service. All fresh meat utilised daily by the Prison Service is supplied from the animal rearing programme The aim of the programme is to provide an advance interest and promote the development of farming whilst ensuring the basic skills are acquired. The assessment of inmates is done by Technical Vocation and Education Training (TVET).
Construction:
Construction classes teaches a high standard of workmanship, sound safety practices, desirable work habits and the basic skills required to become a successful construction worker. The construction team at the Prison Service did repairs to the Wellness Centre, constructed the chicken and pig pens and constantly provides assistance to individuals in the community.
Art & Craft
Art & Craft programme comprise of painting award winning pieces and the production of leather craft such as bags, wallets, purses, belts and repairing of shoes and other accessories. The Prison Service have participated in the Holetown Festival a National Festival by having leather craft and art pieces on sale. The Inmates have been participating in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA). It should be noted that the inmates of the prison have excelled in the areas of Art & Drama at NIFCA continuously yearly.
Garment Making
The garment making program teaches inmates how to create professional grade clothing using hand and machine sewing techniques. The objective of the program is to provide knowledge and training in:
- Use of tools and equipment
- Layout and fabric estimation
- Alterations and remedies to fitting problems
- Choose and construct collars, cuffs, buttonholes, waist finishes and interfacing of garments
- Acquire correct body measurements
- Recognise the parts of a sewing machine and techniques for its threading, use and proper maintenance.
- Cutting and finishing techniques for clothing
- Hand and machine stitches
Staff and inmate uniforms are constructed in the tailor shop within Prison.
Woodwork
The woodwork program comprise of furniture and cabinet making. This program teaches the skills and business acumen to excel in this area of work. During this program inmates are taught to build, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components made of wood or wood substitutes.
Other skills taught are:
- How to cut and measure wood.
- Safely operate power tools such as power saws, mortises and jointers.
- Use hand tools to design
- Trim joints and fit parts together using wood glue and clamps while reinforcing the joints using screws or nails.
These skills learnt are used to construct or repair furniture within the Prison Department or for persons in the general public.
Auto body
This program will allow inmates to develop entry-level skills as auto body repair and refinish technicians. They will develop a basic understanding of automobile construction and learn basic repair techniques. They are also taught how to use power and hand tools necessary to perform basic repairs. Appropriate safety training, effective teamwork and record keeping techniques are emphasised in the shop. On completing of this program inmates will have a strong background in the core sub-disciplines of Auto body repairs such as metal repair, welding, refinishing, structural analysis, paint application, spray gun usage and trim and hardware replacement.
Auto-Mechanics
In this program inmates develop the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study or entry level into an auto-mechanics career. Troubleshooting and diagnosis is the main focus throughout the program. Emphasis is on tune up, brake systems, lamp adjustments, lubrication, cooling systems, fuel systems, and service parts management and electrical systems. On completion inmates will understand:
- That correct preventative care is key to maintaining a well-tuned and conditioned vehicle
- How to demonstrate the skilful use of automotive related tools and diagnostic equipment
- How to work accurately and safely with mechanical devices
- How to diagnose problems common in today’s vehicles
- How to document repairs that have been done, and communicate that information to the client
- How to safely operate with the mechanics’ shop and how important it is to wear safety clothing or accessories
Repairs and maintenance of Prison vehicles not under warranty are done by the automotive team under the supervision of the Officer Instructor.