ON THE RECORD: A Trainee Probation Officer

In their own words

"Before I became a TPO I had done all sorts of jobs. I had completed a degree in psychology but not really used it. I had worked in McDonalds, been a nanny and my last job was selling mobile phones over the telephone. I am a people's person.

I heard about the Probation Service through a career's advisor. I told the advisor that I wanted a job that would give me a sense of purpose."

On selection

"The selection process was the hardest thing I have ever done. The core tasks were the written exam, group interaction, formal interview, and the presentation that involved explaining the steps I would take to solve a certain problem.

"The exam was not so much about what you know but how you analyse information. Each candidate is given fact sheets and you have to read them and pick up the important points. The exam is looking at how you select key facts to back up your points of view.

"The best advice I could offer any applicant is to keep calm and be yourself. That's so important in the interview. The group session is about making a contribution, and showing that you can listen to the views of others - an important element in Probation work.

"I am in my second year and my week is divided into two segments. Three days practice and the remaining two days is designated for academic work.

"I am about to start working with offenders with substance misuse. I think this will be really interesting."

On working with offenders

"Every person I work with has been different. I had such high expectations of my first case, and now I know that was wrong. I was ‘gutted' when things went wrong. What I have learnt is that offenders have to take responsibility for their own actions. As Probation Officers we can assist them and facilitate that change, but they have to want to change in the first place.

"It's important to strike a balance in your life or otherwise you cannot do your job properly. I have had a few sleepless nights but, with experience, I have learnt to come home and concentrate on my life. When I am at work I know I am working to the best of my ability."

ON THE RECORD: A Trainee Probation Officer

In their own words

"I heard about the work of the Probation Service from my partner who is a Probation Officer. I had a vague idea that I wanted to work with people and help them, and after finding out more about the job I decided it was the sort of career for me.

"I was attracted to being a Probation Officer because it seems a worthwhile job where I can make a real difference in people's lives. "Before becoming a trainee Probation Officer, I worked in the private sector as a pub manager. My responsibilities centred on hitting sales and profit targets. I had been running pubs for about nine years and was ready for a change."

On training

"So far the training has been pretty hard going for me. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride. Some days I feel like I am getting it, but others I feel overwhelmed with theory, facts and figures. There is a lot of theory to get your head around, but I feel we have been well looked after by our Practice Development Assessor and there is a good support network.

I love the opportunity to work with my clients and now we are 'in practice' we are getting more opportunity to get stuck in. Time management is quite challenging. Although we have limited responsibilities, and workload, there is lots of university work to do. A three year degree is basically squeezed into two years.

On Probation

"I sometimes find the Probation Service frustrating because the way it does things can sometimes seem a little ad hoc. Lots of different systems for things and lots of paperwork!"

ON THE RECORD: A Trainee Probation Officer

In their own words

"I saw an advert for Probation work in the Asian newspaper, Eastern Eye, and it interested me. I vaguely knew that Probation was connected to prisons and the Police.

"I had been previously running the family manufacturing business for 20 years. It was a varied role, practical and very hands on.

"After we decided to close the company, I realised that it was my opportunity to do work in a field that was of interest to me. I have always enjoyed working with people and I felt that Probation could fulfil my requirements."

On training

"The deciding factor was that the training was about going back into education while gaining practical working experience. (Being paid for it was important too!) It was also helpful that no formal qualifications were required. Probation provided me with a great opportunity. I had been in a secluded workplace for so long that I was not sure if I could re-train.

"The downside for me has been sitting around and feeling that I am not "working" even though I know that research, and reflection are a major part of our work. I need to be able to enjoy this.It is better now that we are in practice, and do not feel that we are here, there and everywhere.  I really enjoy the training when I am learning new things - and when I can see the relevance of the training to the work we are doing. The refresher sessions are useful as not everything is grasped first time round.

On offenders

"I find the work challenging, interesting and I am fascinated about how extensive Probation work really is. I do not think that our public image does it justice.I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. The work with offenders makes you realise that circumstances can play a big part in why someone offends. I am trying to understand what causes re-offending, and being aware that your contribution could make a difference to the community. At the same time I am very much aware that we cannot change the world overnight, but have the satisfaction of knowing that we are trying.

"For me, personally, my development is a great achievement and I am proud to represent my community. Issues of sensitivity have to be handled carefully. It is important that people are aware that you are a good practitioner who respects differences and diversity."