Prison warders will be actively involved in the rehabilitation of inmates by training them in some form of trade, as part of an effort to put more emphasis on the correctional aspect.

A total of 64 correctional officers who yesterday held their passing-out parade will be training inmates in electrical and mechanical works, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, sheet metal, welding, upholstery and tailoring.

The ceremony was held at the Ta’ Kandja police academy following a six-week course in which applicants were trained in firefighting, first aid, security measures and basic criminology.

This is no ordinary job; part of your mission will be ensuring reform

Contrary to the previous intakes, candidates lacking the minimum academic entry requirements were still eligible to apply as long as they had alternative qualifications in certain trades. As a result, 50 candidates who lacked the minimum of three O levels were granted entry and graduated successfully.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, who presided over the ceremony, told the correctional officers that the road ahead would be tough, urging them not to give in to certain pressures as they would eventually be put to the test.

Some of the 64 correctional officers in a celebratory mood at their passing-out parade yesterday. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Mr Abela said the shift from prison warders to correctional officers epitomised a change in approach, with more emphasis on prisoners’ rehabilitation. For this reason more social workers, psychologists and, for the first time, care plan coordinators would be employed to assist inmates make better choices, the minister said.

“This is no ordinary job, as part of your mission will be to ensure that inmates reform themselves by the time they serve their sentence,” he said.