In response to: Local inmates learn skills for a more positive future
As the Trainer of Business courses out at Glen Innes Correctional Centre, I was excited to see this article that helps transform people’s opinions of offenders and what happens behind bars. I have personally been touched and transformed after this last year, training over 100 inmates.
I was disappointed that the certificate III in Business wasn’t mentioned as this too is a valuable course the men have completed. These men have run their own businesses in the past, but most admitted they had no leadership or people management skills.
Recently, because of the overwhelming response and completion rates to my three Business courses over the past year, I was awarded the NSW Trainer of the Year title for the New England region. This was purely for my work at the Glen Innes Correctional Centre.
I get disappointed that Business courses aren’t deemed as valuable as trade courses. Over the years, I’ve taught 1000’s who have obtained their trade qualifications and started their own business- only to struggle because they don’t know how to run and manage the people or paperwork.
My students were genuinely interested and impressed. Consequently, I had double the enrollments this term. My time training lasts 20 weeks/ 8 hour a week, with these inmates, compared to the 3 day courses they do to get those tickets. I get to learn so much more about each inmates experience and future plans.
It’s been the pinnacle of my 20 year career as a trainer to work with inmates! They are keen, grateful, and treat this 65 year old lady with so much respect.
I’d love to share more on what a powerful, rewarding year it’s been in hopes to transform community business leaders to give these men a chance when they return to our communities, because many of them are transformed and ready to build a positive future for themselves.
Sincerely,
Patty Fulloon
2025 NSW Trainer of the Year
New England
Got something on your mind? Go on then, engage. Submit your opinion piece, letter to the editor, or Quick Word now.