What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I concentrated on science subjects in school as that was where my interest was at the time, but to be honest I don't feel that any subjects I took in school have had any great bearing on my job today. I feel that Life Skills are much more important for the work I do today.
What is your education to date?
I have done several years in college and have Certificates in Chemistry and Biology and a Diploma in Quality Management but I suppose the only way in which the science subjects help me in the Prison Service is that they taught me attention to detail.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
A good standard of education is probably becoming more important in the future of the Service and computer skills would be an advantage, but I think the main skills required would be common sense, good communication skills and definitely a sense of humour!
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Training courses are constantly taking place within the Service in many diverse areas such as Hostage Negotiation, Security Units and Dog Handling Courses. As yet I haven't completed any of these but they are on my list!
I'm participating in a college course at the moment, a combined venture between the Irish Prison Service and Sligo I.T. which I find challenging but very rewarding. Although I may not be actively partaking in training courses, I am very aware that while I am on the job I am constantly learning. I think the day I stop learning is the day I should leave.
