Unlike unemployed learners, the 196 female and 250 male Control Room Operators are in the employ of DCS and have been trained in the learnership so that their role is not only confined to the control room but they may now be utilized in other sections of a correctional centre as well. This forms part of on-going efforts to ensure that the people of South Africa are, and feel, safe. DCS is reputed to be one Department that has enrolled the highest number of youth in the Learnership Programme, and has also employed the most number of learners.
Last year, at the National Skills Conference on 10th and 11th October, DCS was honoured with a Recognition Award for the placement of learners. Since 2010/11, 4,012 (2,182 males and 1,830 females) unemployed learners were enrolled in the Corrections Services Learnership and 3,053 learners were absorbed into the Department. This includes 999 learners (569 males and 430 females) who commenced in February 2014, and are currently undergoing experiential learning at various correctional centres.
Furthermore since 2010/11, DCS enrolled 2,440 (807 males and 1,633 females) unemployed graduates in their Public Service Internship Programme. This programme is aimed at providing graduates with work experience to enhance their job prospects. The Department is in the process of selecting another group of 1,100 to commence Internship on 1 October 2014.