Carpenters, electricians and plumbers invited to become prison officers

Carpenters, electricians and plumbers are being recruited by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) to apply for Recruit Prison Officer (RPO) posts to work at jails in Laois and elsewhere.

The IPS says a Recruit Prison Officer (Trades) will be required to carry out general maintenance and project work at prisons. There will be a requirement to supervise offenders from time to time.

The IPS says the RPO) is the entry level to the Service and it is proposed to set up a panel from which vacancies arising in the Irish Prison Service may be filled.

Vacancies will be filled at Recruit Prison Officer (Trades) level initially. Following the successful completion of 3 years’ service including probation and a Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, the Recruit Prison Officer (Trades) will be appointed as an established Prison Officer (Trades).

The IPS says working as a Recruit Prison Officer (Trades) can be complex and difficult, but it can be varied, challenging and highly rewarding.

"We are looking for individuals who have the capacity to relate to and engage with prisoners, act with professionalism, tolerance and humanity and the ability to role model positive social behaviour. They must also have the ability to think on their feet in dealing with situations that require security and control," said the job description.

Apart from being aged 18 by August 17, 2023 applicants must have achieved National Craft Certification Examinations for the relevant carpentry, electrical or plumbing trade or be eligible for the award of the National Craft Certificate for the relevant trade.

The deadline for applications is August 17, 2023.