Students into Prisons
Criminology students at Northumbria are being given an exciting placement opportunity, to work within criminal justice organisations thanks to a partnership scheme with NEPACS (North Eastern Prison After Care Society) |
NEPACS is a community-based charity that provides vital advice and support to prisoners, families and friends.
Rebecca Pollard, a Criminology student said “I was really excited about this opportunity, which allows students to gain experience whilst studying, which I think should be an essential part of university life.”
Rebecca adds “I was lucky enough to be picked to take part in a drug search demonstration by the dog handlers’, which was really interesting. Now I’m dealing with visiting orders and enquiries. Once I get my prison clearance I can work in the playgroup with children during visiting times.”
Fellow Criminology student Christine Hoey, who is also volunteering, said “As part of our degree we are learning all about prisons and punishment, so it’s great to work with people who deal with criminals every day. It gives me a real insight into how they feel about the prison system.”
Louise Ridley, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, said “Over the last two years we have worked hard to improve our working relationship with North East Prisons and NOMS (National Offender Management Services), including NEPACS. The feedback from students has been excellent and we are now in the process of ensuring that voluntary work opportunities become an integral part of our undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. It is a great way for students to enhance their professional development and ensure they are more marketable to future employers and organisations.”
While students are volunteering through NEPACS they are entitled to access specialised training courses, which are offered to staff within the prison system. Each student attended an NEPACS open day, where they were introduced to Prison Officers and Governors, to discuss their role as a volunteer.
The School of Arts and Social Sciences and the Division of Sociology and Criminology are keen to increase regional engagement with employers. This type of activity provides students with access to their chosen careers and enables them to gain work-based experience.
Date posted: March 27, 2009
