• A two-year course leading to the Diploma in Probation Studies (DipPS). This qualification combines the BA in Community Justice awarded by Sheffield Hallam University and a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Community Justice at Level 4.
  
  
• Recruitment takes place in March & April each year, with the course commencing in the autumn.
  
  
• The regional training body, the Wales Training Consortium, oversees the recruitment and selection process. They also have a key role in managing the training programme with the four Probation Areas in the region and Sheffield Hallam University.
  
  
• Trainee Probation Officers are employed directly by the Probation Area to which they apply.
  
  
• A salary range of £14,476 - £15,351 is paid while people are training.
  
  
• Trainee Probation Officers appointed to Gwent Probation Area will be located in different parts of the county throughout the training.
  
  
• At the beginning of the course each Trainee is allocated a Practice Development Assessor (PDA) who provides on-going personal & professional support.
  
  
• All trainees attend University College of Wales, Newport (UCWN) for study blocks as part of their studies.
  
  
• Trainee Probation Officers have to be aged 20 or over at the start of the training.

Applicants will be judged on their abilities in:

• Team work and relating to others
• Knowledge and understanding of group and individual work
• Communication
• Planning and organisation
• Skills of self management
• Motivation and commitment
• Openness to new ideas
• Problem-solving skills (analysis)
• Commitment to the core values held by probation staff

Application packs are available during March and April. If you a require a pack please contact:

Wales Training Consortium
Kelly Services (UK) Limited
4 St Johns Street
Cardiff
CF20 1GJ

Email: The Wales Training Consortium
Web: www.probation.walestraining.gov.uk