A PRISON officer who relocated to Redditch and found a new life is urging people to consider a job in the Prison Service.
Brittany Bent joined HMP Hewell straight out of college and now plays an important role in helping to protect the public.
Originally from Lancashire, Brittany joined the prison in Tardebigge four years ago.
She is now using skills gained from her course in public services to engage with prisoners and help break the cycle of crime.
Brittany said: “On my college course I studied different parts of public service, including policing and other custodial environments.
“I always wanted to work in the justice system when I finished school, it was a three-year course and I loved it.
“My tutor was a former prison officer, and speaking to her planted the idea of becoming one myself.”
There are no previous qualifications needed to become an operational support staff or prison officer at HMP Hewell.
Personal qualities are much more important, and all the necessary training is provided. Applicants should have good judgement, common sense, responsibility and, above all, the ability to work in a team.
Brittany added: “I would recommend being a prison officer 100 per cent, it’s an amazing role and it helps you to better yourself as a person.
“It’s not just a job, it’s a career. The opportunities are amazing as long as you are prepared for the bad days as well as the good.
HMP Hewell governor Ralph Lubkowski said: “Brittany has already made a huge difference to the team in his prison.
“She was only young when she joined us but has already learned so much and is a great influence on her fellow officers and prisoners alike.
“She has her sights set on a long career at HMP Hewell and I know she’ll be a great success.”