Could anyone out there give me any advice on applying for a training position with the probation service. I know they're not recruiting yet but I believe the competition is fierce and I don't really have any relevant qualifications. I'm trying to find a suitable voluntary position to fit around my two kids and two jobs, but that aint easy!

Any advice will be appreciated

One of the areas you could look at would be to apply for relief hostel work with the service (if they still require it). If you've got any kind of skills in horticulture, decorating etc you could offer to do some voluntary work within the community service section.

I'm not quite sure about the new Probation Diploma. I think that any kind of work experience within the care field would help. Alternatively, why not look at voluntary work with groups like NACRO?

pm me and I'll give you some more details if you want

Possible voluntary work could include, appropriate adult schemes. These are volunteers who visit police stations when a child, or other vunerable person is arrested and don't have a parent etc willing to sit in with them when questioned. In practice, you make sure the police aren't abusing the individuals by refusing to call solicitors etc.

Many thanks to those who have responded, sorry I haven't logged on for a while

Did you ever get that job:confused:

Probation is incredibly competetive - I was always told experience gained from things like working in a magistrates courts is invaluable!

I would suggest you talk to Voluntary Action Sheffield - they should be able to give you all the advice you need.