Nearly a hundred new Prison Officers across the South West have got the lifelong learning habit thanks to POA Learning at HMP Dartmoor.

POA Learning staff based at the Devon prison have, over the past two months, registered ninety six POELTs (Prison Officer Entry Level Training) with lifelong learning opportunities from within the South West region.

The continued lifelong learning opportunities are many and varied and include several level 2 courses including Mental Health Awareness, Dyslexia Awareness, Equality and Diversity and Learning Difficulties. Along with these there have been several Functional Skills courses in English and maths undertaken.

POA Learning staff Ivan Judd and Andy Harding have made arrangements with HMP Dartmoor and HMP Channings Wood POELT mentor Senior Officer Rachel Sims to include ‘POA Learning’ in the POELT induction process. 

Ivan Judd also visits the POELT training centres at HMP Leyhill and HMP Exeter in order to engage with every POELT within the SW region.

New recruit Lauren Gordon has been really pleased with the courses, and said:  

Having POA Learning as an onsite resource is truly fantastic. The learning opportunities available are many and varied - I have many offenders on my case load with mental health issues and the level 2 in Mental Health Awareness has and will continue to assist me in my new role.''

Fellow new Prison Officer Neil Pate went on to say:

I would be interested in taking the level 2 in Team Leadership as I progress within my prison service career. This would certainly assist me as I look to progress to the rank of Supervising Officer.''

Andy Harding, POA Learning – South West Regional Manager, added:

Working inside a prison is a complex job.  Prison officers have to play many differing roles with some very challenging offenders. Having an insight into mental health, dyslexia and learning difficulties as provided by POA Learning will assist staff greatly in their daily interactions with offenders.

The learning materials from POA Learning are excellent and the qualifications are both accredited and transferable.”