Trade Instructor

Do you have a Bakery Trades experience or are looking for a career change?  Be part of a team that values safety, integrity, and rehabilitation and directly contribute to creating safer communities and brighter futures

Are you passionate about creating meaningful change and supporting rehabilitation through structured industry and training programs? We're looking for a dedicated professional to take on a dynamic role that blends supervision, training, and stakeholder engagement in a correctional setting.  The primary objective of the Trade Instructor is to supervise the behavior and activities of prisoners on a day to day basis, coordinating and providing on the job occupational training in a controlled and safe work environment, similar to that experienced outside secure custody. The Trade Instructor will be supervising prisoners located in, but not limited to Bakery, Textiles, Timber & Carpentry, Metal & Steel, Powder Coating, Screen Printing, and Logistics/Warehousing areas.

As a Trades Instructor, some of your primary duties and responsibilities will include:

• Ensure prisoners are inducted, trained and competent in the proper operation of plant and equipment prior to use and that training is duly recorded.
• Inclusive of "special Toolbox" sessions
• Ensure training plans are developed and reviewed, for the safe operation of all industry plant and equipment.
• Participate in the case management process including the updating of prisoner file notes, by recording engagement and progress towards specific work and/or behavioural goals.
• Supervise and oversee the commercial systems and processes specific to the area including the management of quality control systems, to ensure product meets client specifications.
• Promote, implement and maintain safe work systems in accordance with OH&S regulations, procedures and practices consistent with Australian/ New Zealand Standards ISO 45001.
• Conduct staff induction / skills matrix and refresher training
• Attend meetings and forums as required.
• Maximise training opportunities for prisoners through effective communication with stakeholders including third party customers, custodial and teaching staff.
• Ensure all incidents or matters are noted, including security breaches, and reported in accordance with the applicable Commissioners Requirement (CR).
• Perform additional duties if reasonable, as instructed by senior staff.
• Assist with genuine employment pathways for prisoners with external employers, through the establishment of positive relationships (networks) and understanding and promotion of GEOs Continuum of Care model.

To review a copy of the position description, please click here.  We have an attractive annual salary range between $90,000 and $95,000 plus superannuation on offer for this position.

To meet the key selection criteria for this role this role, you will possess the following:

• Relevant Industry qualifications and/or experience including any other field of Trade expertise.
• Experience in managing production targets, deadlines, inventory and stock.
• Ability to write objective reports and correspondence.
• Ability to supervise and train prisoners and to handle situations in a fair, firm, and equitable manner.
• Demonstrate a high level of communication skills, including the ability to negotiate and interact with people from varying ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide training and instruction to prisoners.
• Ability to initiate new ideas and apply creative solutions for the resolution of problems.
• Assist in the development of the identified industry on a commercial basis.
• Be able to understand and operate different types of machinery and equipment as required.

Importantly we are looking for an individual who works well as part of a team and autonomously and who is capable of demonstrating their strong personal values in a pro social manner to prisoners and staff alike. Additionally, you will be comfortable working within a correctional setting, which will involve direct contact with prisoners. In return we will provide you with appropriate safety and security training and a supportive and rewarding working environment which contributes to better corrections and safer communities with a great collaborative multidisciplinary team to learn from and expand your industry skills with.

Ravenhall is Victoria's largest, medium security prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. Its contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEOs Continuum of Care operating philosophy.

Ravenhall also has a dedicated Forensic Mental Health Unit and a specialised Closed Supervision Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours. In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex people in our care with access to post-release support at GEO's Community Reintegration Centre.

With key focus on young adult offenders, Aboriginal and those with complex and mental health needs, have significant opportunities to engage in work, education, programs and services, through an evidence based approach to reduce re-offending.

Through investment in opportunities for people in our care to engage in work, education and programs, prisoners are not only held safely and securely but given every chance to turn their lives around. Issues behind much of the crime in our communities – such as violent attitudes, anti-social behaviours and the abuse of drugs and alcohol – are addressed through innovative programs and interventions. At the same time helping the people in our care with day-to-day challenges such as gaining and holding down employment and finding a suitable place to live also help prevent a return to crime.

Ravenhall's unprecedented emphasis on offender rehabilitation and reintegration is evidenced through collaborative and integrated relationships with key Alliance service partners including Forensicare, GEO HealthCare Plus, The Y, Honeywell and Bendigo Kangan Institute of Tafe. Together, Ravenhall provides an integrated service system that collaboratively brings about lasting positive change in the lives of the men in our care pre- and post-release. Through these partnerships the objective of Safer Victorian Communities is achieved.

Joining GEO is your chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community. Benefits of working for GEO, include but are not limited to:

• Role diversity and internal career progression opportunities
• Ongoing professional development opportunities (including further education sponsorship)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Competitive salary and rewards scheme
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Program
• Staff gym
• Subsidised meals

GEO provides ongoing supervision and professional development to ensure that employees continue to develop and grow while working at Ravenhall.  We are committed to creating a positive working culture where all employees can work ethically and responsively to meet the needs of staff and prisoners, therefore promoting lasting positive change.

To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter and a current resume with two recent referees detailed

For any enquiries, or to discuss the position in more detail please email

Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted approximately 2-3 weeks following the closing date. Unsuccessful candidates will be contacted in due course

This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation that is dedicated to improving our communities. Don't wait - Apply Now

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are highly encouraged to apply

Applications close at 11:30 pm, Wednesday 8 October 2025.