NT Prison Graduates Up 141.33%

The latest round of graduation ceremonies at correctional facilities in the Northern Territory has brought the total number of incarcerated students obtaining educational certificates this year to 181 across Darwin and Alice Springs, representing an 141.33% increase in the past year.

The Darwin Correctional Facility’s recent graduation ceremony earlier this month saw 69 VET certificates awarded. Last week a further 23 prisoners graduated at the Alice Springs Correctional Facility. This program has achieved rapid growth, with annual graduate numbers rising from 75 in 2015 to 181 in 2016.

Prisoners received training and education from Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in a range of disciplines including engineering, visual arts, family wellbeing and bridging courses like Access to Vocational Pathways.

Implementing VET programs in correctional centres has been proven to reduce the recidivism rate significantly. Studies have shown that rates of reoffending after participation in VET programs whilst incarcerated drop from 32% to 23% whilst also improving perceptions of employability.

The educational program is run via a partnership between Batchelor Institute and the Northern Territory Department of Correctional Services via a seven year service level agreement signed at Parliament House last year.  It aims to provide quality education and training to prisoners in order to align them with suitable employment opportunities and reduce the risk of re-offending.