You'll need GCSEs in English and maths to apply for jobs and most colleges offer these if you do not already have them.

Taking a course in public services or youth work practice might also give you some understanding of the justice system, though this is not essential.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You may be able to start as a case administrator in a probation office, then do on-the-job training to become a probation services officer.

You can apply directly for job vacancies with probation services. 

You'll usually need:

• experience of working with vulnerable people or people who have challenging behaviour
• excellent communications skills
• a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths

You can get experience through volunteering or paid work with charities that support ex-offenders, or by contacting your local probation service for opportunities.

If you're successful with your application, you'll train on the job. You'll do the Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice during your first 12 months to qualify as a probation services officer.

You'll need:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• leadership skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a probation services officer, you could:

• assess the risk an offender may pose to the public
• prepare court and management reports
• run individual or group sessions to challenge offending behaviour
• help clients get work or training, housing, or drug and alcohol treatment
• support offenders before and after prison release and manage them in the community
• supervise residents living in approved accommodation
• support victims of crime

You could work in the community, in a prison, in a court or in an office.