Department Of Correctional Service 2018 – 2019

Every year the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS) offers people from different communities the Correctional Services learnershipopportunity. These learnerships form part of the government’s National Skills Development Strategy to create skills and ease poverty and unemployment.

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.

This Correction Services Learnership will give you the opportunity to learn the skills and gain the knowledge, acceptable workplace behavior and attitude that is required in the correctional services. Learners will earn a stipend of R3 500-00 per month for the duration of the learnership.

Correctional Services Learnership Requirements

There are certain requirements for being accepted into this learnership:

Minimum Requirements

You must be a South African citizen
You must be in possession of a Standard 10/Grade 12 Certificate; or
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)

Other Requirements

You must be between the ages of 21 and 35 years

Applicants must not have a criminal record (if you have a criminal case pending against you, you must provide all the details when applying.)
You need to 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.

Correctional Services Learnership Application Process

How to Apply for the DCS Learnerships?

In order to apply for the FET Certificate in Corrections Services Learnership, you must complete an application form in your own handwriting.

You can get the “Application for Admission to a Learnership in DCS”form from any Correctional Services Office, or you can download it from the Department of Correctional Services website.
The e-DCS website is www.dcs.gov.za under the Forms Tab
- Once you access the website, look at the top or bottom for the link that says “Forms” and click on it. Then click on the “Internship/Learnership Application Forms” link.
- Click on the “Learnership Application Form” link and the form will automatically download to your computer

When applying for the learnership make sure that you specify the learnership post that you are applying for (e.g. DCS Corrections Service Learnership: Gauteng Region: Leeuwkop (Ref GP02)
Make sure that you sign the application form yourself
Attach certified copies of your certificates and Identity Document (these copies must have been certified within the last 3 months – you can get this done at any Police Station)

Please Note:

Application forms that are late or unsigned will not be accepted
Photocopied forms will not be accepted
Faxed or e-mailed forms will not be accepted

Remember that during your workplace training you will be responsible for your own accommodation, transport, and meal costs. It is thus suggested to apply for a learnership in the Region or Management Area closest to where you live.

Completed Correctional Services Learnership application forms with all necessary attached documents can be mailed (posted at the post office) or hand-delivered to the Regional Commissioner at the Management Office nearest to where you live. You can find the address and contact details of your nearest Management Office.

Correctional Services Learnership Learnership Information

Applications for this learnership will open later in the year, normally around November or December. You can keep checking whether the learnership is open for applications yet by checking the Vacancies page on the DCS website.