From generating social media clicks, to a place where mobile phones aren\u2019t allowed \u2013 Blue Taylor made a surprising career change and has never looked back.<\/p>\n
For the past eight years, the former content creator and journalist has worked as a prison officer at Marngoneet Correctional Centre \u2013 a medium-security men\u2019s prison in the Barwon South West region.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople think working in a prison is like the films and TV \u2013 locking doors and canteen fights all the time \u2013 but that’s not the reality. Our job is to be a positive role model. We help people, rehabilitate them, and ultimately make sure the local community is safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a short career in the media industry, Ms Taylor wanted to try something new.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can be difficult to imagine yourself in the role because most people will never step foot inside a prison. But after working as a content creator in Germany for three years, I wanted a change and a more stable career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI moved back to Australia and was keen to find a role where I could give back to the local community. After searching online, I spotted the job advert for a prison officer and focused on the transferable skills in the job description.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to be resilient and have grit, be able to communicate and show compassion and care for others,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI completed the training and have been at Marngoneet Correctional Centre for the past eight years. There\u2019s no such thing as a typical day but the focus of my role is on rehabilitation and giving prisoners the skills to prepare for eventually being released. One of the strangest rewards is never actually seeing a prisoner again, because you know you\u2019ve helped them to get their life back on track.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s more people like Ms Taylor that Marngoneet Correctional Centre and its neighbour \u2013 Barwon Prison \u2013 are looking for. As the Victorian Government recruits for prison officers across the state, Ms Taylor urges people to think about the skills they could bring to the role.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like there\u2019s no such thing as a typical day, there\u2019s not a typical prison officer either. Whether you\u2019re a hairdresser, tradie or work in retail, it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll have relevant practical and interpersonal skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Taylor acknowledged that working in a prison could be challenging, but she couldn\u2019t imagine doing anything else.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t just a job, it\u2019s a career. In the last few years I\u2019ve progressed to Senior Prison Officer, we have a good work-life balance and a collaborative and supportive team environment. But above all, there\u2019s no better feeling than going home at the end of the day knowing you made a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking for something different? New prison officers are now eligible for a bonus of up to $5,000. Find out how you can be part of a team reshaping lives at: https:\/\/www.justice.vic.gov.au\/prison-careers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
From generating social media clicks, to a place where mobile phones aren\u2019t allowed \u2013 Blue Taylor made a surprising career change and has never looked back. For the past eight years, the former content creator and journalist has worked as a prison officer at Marngoneet Correctional Centre \u2013 a medium-security men\u2019s prison in the Barwon […]<\/p>\n