Prison instructor

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a learning and skills manager, employment adviser or wider general manager within the prison service.

You could specialise in one type of training, such as:

• construction skills, like joinery or bricklaying
• horticulture
• vehicle maintenance

You could also work in other areas of training or instructing.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to teach learners how to do something
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You will also need to meet HM Prison & Probation Service entry requirements, which include nationality and security checks.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Design and Technology - Prison instructors often teach practical trade skills like joinery, bricklaying, or other construction-related crafts in workshop settings. Understanding how to work with tools, materials, and manufacturing processes is central to demonstrating and teaching these vocational skills.
• English Language - Prison instructors need strong communication skills to explain tasks clearly, write learning plans, and update prisoners' records and progress reports. They also need to adapt their language for learners who may have had limited education or struggle with literacy.
• Psychology - Prison instructors work with people who may have complex backgrounds, behavioural challenges, or mental health difficulties. Understanding motivation, behaviour management, and how people learn helps them support prisoners effectively and maintain a positive workshop environment.

Also relevant

• Business - Prison instructors help prisoners develop skills for employment after release, which can include understanding workplace expectations and basic business practices. They also manage stock, equipment, and workshop resources – tasks that draw on organisational and management knowledge.
• Sociology - Prison instructors work within the criminal justice system and benefit from understanding the social factors – such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity – that can lead to offending. This awareness helps them relate to prisoners and support their rehabilitation.
• Mathematics - Prison instructors use maths when teaching trade skills that involve measuring, calculating quantities, and reading technical plans. Whether it's working out material dimensions in joinery or mixing ratios in horticulture, basic numeracy is a regular part of workshop instruction.
• Physical Education - Prison instructors often work in physically demanding environments, spending long hours on their feet in workshops or outdoors. Understanding physical fitness and safe working practices helps them manage the hands-on nature of the role.
• Law - Prison instructors work within a highly regulated environment governed by prison rules, security procedures, and legal frameworks. Having an understanding of the criminal justice system and prisoners' rights helps them navigate their role within HM Prison & Probation Service.