Cobar High School students were recently given a presentation of the NSW Police IPROWD program, which encourages indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students to consider careers in the police force.
Central North Police District Detective Inspector Paul Quigg joined the IPROWD facilitators and other police attached to Central North Police District to present the program in Cobar recently along with presentations at Nyngan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge and Walgett high schools.
“The IPROWD program is a unique partnership between the NSW Police Force and TAFE NSW and aims to encourage indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people to consider careers in the police force,” Detective Inspector Quigg said.
“This presentation included students undertaking a series of physical tests which have to be successfully passed by applicants in order to join the NSW Police Force,” he said.
Tests included a 90 second prone bridge, hand grip strength and push up test.
The IPROWD program, ‘Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery’ assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain a qualification, and to develop skills and confidence in applying for a career with the NSW Police Force.
Students who successfully complete the
18-week IPROWD program will gain a Certificate III qualification in Vocational and Study Pathways.
The qualification helps prepare Aboriginal people for higher study and enables them to complete a University Certificate in Workforce Essentials.
“Through the IPROWD program, students have joined the NSW Police Force and some have also gained career opportunities with the Australian Border Force, NSW Corrective Service, Queensland Police, Department
of Health, Department of Parks and
Wildlife Service and other career and study pathways.
“We target students in Years 10 to 12, especially students completing Year 12 this year, as they near the completion of their school life,” Detective Inspector Quigg said.
“In promoting the program, we deliver a presentation on the career path toward joining the NSW Police to show students the opportunities that are available to them and to help them attain good goals in life.
“Kids are wondering what to do with their lives after school – this is a golden opportunity for them,” he said.
“The program gives students a direction and offers a life changing opportunity.”
The program has been previously been delivered in larger centres such as Dubbo, Armidale, Lismore, Taree, Redfern and Kingswood and this was the first year it has been delivered in the far west.
IPROWD began in Dubbo in 2008 and over 800 students have completed the program since its induction.
More than 160 of those students have become NSW Police Force officers.
