About the correctional services learnership programme 2022/2023
The Department of Correctional Services every year invites unemployed people who meet all the necessary requirements to apply for the DCS learnership programme. The DSC learnership programme is made available in all South African regions and it is advisable that you apply for the learnership programme that falls within your region. The Department of Correctional Services Learnership Programme forms part of the National Skills Development Strategy. The National Skills Development Strategy is an organization that create skills and fight unemployment and poverty.
DCS Learnerships are open to those with the necessary qualifications required to study for the Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate in the Corrections Services Learnership (NQF Level 4).
The learnership consists of both theoretical and practical training in how to contribute to the rehabilitation of prisoners.
As a trainee, you will be taught how to do this via correction and human development inhumane, secure and safe detention or under community-based correctional supervision.
With Department of Correctional Services learnership program individuals will gain valuable skills and knowledge that is required in the correctional services. Shortlisted candidates will receive a monthly stipend of approximately R3500 per month for the duration of the learnership.
Basic Requirements
There are certain requirements for being accepted into this learnership:
Minimum Requirements
- Candidates must be permanently residing within the South African boarders
- All applicants must be in possession of a Matric certificate
- Applicants be in possession of a Further Education and Training Certificate NQF (Level 4); or
- Have successfully completed the National Certificate in Vocational Studies (NQF Level 4)
Additional Requirements
- Candidates must be aged between 21 and 35 years old
- All applicants must have a clean criminal record
- Applicants must have a strong character
Preference will be given to applicants who have additional qualifications such as a Trade or Occupational-based Certificate, Diploma, or Degree related to Security/Corrections.
Any such additional qualifications will not be considered in the payment of the stipend paid to learners during the learnership or for further salary/wage purposes.
The FET Certificate in Corrections Services Learnership in DCS
This is outcomes-based learning, and the learnership is based on a legally binding contract between the learner, the employer, and the service provider.
The Learnership Programme is for a period of one year (12 months) and consists of:
Theory
About 30% of the training will consist of theory. This instructional training will take place at an accredited DCS college that will be specified by the Department.
- Theoretical training will include intensive instruction on firearms, self-defense and physical training.
- This training is compulsory and means that you will stay at the Training College on a full-time basis.
- Successful applicants receive free accommodation, meals, a uniform (field wear and a tracksuit), and all training materials during the training period.
Workplace Training
The remaining 70% of the training will be practical workplace (on-the-job) training which will take place at the Correctional and Social Reintegration Centres/Units.
- This part of the training will include duties connected to the rehabilitation and provision of security to offenders.
- Learners continue to receive a monthly stipend during this part of the training but are responsible for their own accommodation, meals, and transport
- The Department of Correctional Services does not pay a housing allowance, housing subsidy, pension fund, medical aid, danger allowance or overtime during a learnership.
Once the learner has successfully completed both the theoretical (instructional) and practical (workplace) phases, submitted a final Portfolio of Evidence (POE) and has successfully undergone external verification by SASSETA, a FET Certificate in Corrections Services NQF 4 will be issued.
The learnership contract is a legally binding contract and any irregularity or violation of the terms of the agreement will be dealt with by the Department of Correctional Services in accordance with Sections 17 and 18 of the Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998.
Application Process
Online application processes for the department of correctional services are made available every year on their webpage. When applying for the learnership make sure that you specify the learnership post that you are applying for. Make sure that you sign the application form yourself. All applicants must include copies of necessary documents that are certified and no older than three months.
Please Note:
- Application forms that are late or unsigned will not be taken into account
- Photocopied forms will not be taken into consideration
- Faxed or e-mailed forms will not be accepted
During the learnership candidates will be responsible for their own meal, transport and accommodation costs. It is therefore highly recommended that you apply for the learnership available in your region.