Return to normal view

Prisoner Education

Prisoners' rights to education

In Victoria, the Corrections Act 1986 provides that all prisoners have the right to take part in educational programs in the prison. TAFE institutes provide vocational education and training programs, including basic literacy and numeracy, to all prisons. These courses give prisoners skills to assist with reintegration into the community and gain meaningful employment when they are released.

While it is not compulsory for prisoners to undertake vocational education and training programs in prison, all prisoners must undertake basic OHS training before they commence a range of prison-based work. The work environment also encourages a link between prison employment and the attainment of a relevant qualification. This aims to increase the employment opportunities upon release, as prisoners will have theoretical and practical experience.

While the range of programs offered varies from prison to prison, vocational education and training programs are structured to ensure prisoners are able to continue their course as they move through the prison system.

Types of vocational education and training programs

All prisoners, including those on protection or in management units, can access state- and nationally-accredited education and training programs. These include:

• information technology
• hospitality
• Certificate of General Education for Adults
• transport and distribution
• horticulture
• engineering
• licences (e.g. forklift and white card)
• small business management

Current vocational education and training in prisons is predominately delivered at Certificate I and II levels, with adult and community education courses (consisting of basic literacy and numeracy training) representing approximately a third of total delivery.

CV provides administrative assistance to support prisoners approved to participate in distance education, offered by education providers from outside the prison system.

Education facilities

Education Centres at each prison contain several classrooms, a small library, and computer labs. Eligible prisoners may have computers in their cells for study or to assist them with their court matters. Victorian prisoners do not have access to the internet or to email services.

Funding

Funding associated with the delivery of vocational education and training courses across prisons is provided through relevant TAFE institutes' Performance Agreements with the Victorian Skills Commission.  A separate arrangement exists for the two privately operated prisons, whereby funds are provided from Skills Victoria direct to the relevant private operator.

Education providers

Teachers in Victorian prisons are employed by the TAFE Institute responsible for delivering accredited training to a particular prison. Teachers are required to have relevant professional qualifications and industrial experience.

Current education providers are:

• Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE (H.M Prison Loddon, H.M Prison Tarrengower)
• East Gippsland Institute of TAFE (Fulham Correctional Centre, Marngoneet Correctional Centre)
• Gordon Institute of TAFE (H.M Prison Barwon)
• Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (Beechworth Correctional Centre, H.M Dhurringile Prison)
• Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE (Melbourne Assessment Prison, Port Phillip Prison, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Metropolitan Remand Centre)
• University of Ballarat -TAFE Division (H.M Prison Ararat, H.M Prison Langi Kal Kal)