Training prisoners to avoid a return to jail

BATCHELOR Institute recently had a double celebration with the opening of a new training facility and a graduation ceremony all on the same day.

Graduates at the Batchelor Institute, NT

BATCHELOR Institute recently had a double celebration with the opening of a new training facility and a graduation ceremony all on the same day.

Working with the NT ­Department of Correctional Services, the institute ­officially opened its training arm at ­Darwin’s Holtze Correctional Facility.

The state-of-the-art facility features the latest information and communication technology, a library and student tutorial rooms that allow Batchelor Institute to provide training options to prisoners, to help them gain skills that will assist them in finding employment once released.

Courses include construction, indigenous environmental health, visual arts and access to vocational pathways.

Batchelor Institute chief executive Robert Somerville said providing prisoners with training will help reduce ­recidivism through increased work opportunities, as well as build self-esteem among participants.

“It is very pleasing to see so many people making use of the training on offer through this partnership and it is with great pleasure that today we congratulate over 30 graduates,” Mr Somerville said.

“We hope today’s graduates can use the skills they’ve earned to benefit the wider community and give something back to society.

“We believe that education and training is key to breaking the cycle of offending, which is why Batchelor Institute is committed to this approach and looks forward to building on our partnership with Correctional Services and the NT Government.”