§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the specific training period for(a) a probation officer, (b) a fireman and (c) a prison officer. [1953]
§ Mr. SackvilleUnder the new arrangements for the recruitment and qualifying training of probation officers, there will not be a specific training period. A flexible training programme is being devised which will allow training to be geared to the needs of individual recruits, taking into account their skills and experience. This will make it easier for a broad range of applicants to apply for appointment as a probation officer as they will not have to undertake the two-year social work diploma course required under the previous arrangements.
Home Office guidance recommends a minimum of 14 weeks' training for recruit firefighters.
Newly recruited prison officers undertake 13 weeks' initial training, including a nine-week residential course.