A first-year electrical and first-year plumbing apprentice has been hired by GEO Group through employment company GTES Wagga to work as a part of the jail’s maintenance team.

Prior to the signing of the official contracts no trade apprentices have ever been hired at a prison, making the day a special one for not only the prison, but also its newest staff members.

Sam Reid of Cootamundra has been hired as an electrical apprentice while Ben Rosette of Temora will be taking on a plumbing apprenticeship.

Correctional Centre general manager Andy Walker said the recruits will go through an information session on the prison and will be watched over by a supervisor at all times.

While they will have an eye-opening experience, he said they would be given all the guidance and assistance needed to get through their apprenticeships.

The boys were selected from a number of potential apprentices and will undergo training in security awareness.

The boys said they were keen to get started.