Gateway Technical College has opened enrollment for its Basic Jail Academy/Secure Juvenile Detentions Academy, which runs April 16 through June 27 in the Kenall Protective Services Training Center on its Kenosha Campus.

The academy will provide skills for completers to become certifiable as a basic jailer or secure detentions officer in Wisconsin.

Many job offerings exist for officers who are certified as basic jailer and secure juvenile facility officers in the three counties of Kenosha, Racine and Walworth, which make up Gateway’s district. The possibility exists for some to even be offered a position during the academy and to begin upon successful completion of the program.

The part-time format of this spring offering allows recruits to continue to work and attend the academy as it will be held one week per month – noon to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday – over four months. Cost is $685 with a maximum of 24 students and the course number is 504-458-3K1B.

It’s been a while since this particular format has been offered by the college, an open enrollment for anyone interested in joining this career field. Some training sessions are held for those who have already secured a jail officer position, but must go through the training to complete their hiring requirement and their training is paid for by the sponsoring agency. This part-time academy is “self-sponsored,” which means students pay their way through the academy.

 “This format gives them four months to get their paperwork done, and by the time they graduate, they can have a job lined up,” says Gateway law enforcement specialty training coordinator Ray Merlin.

“This is a unique format, which allows students to work and attend. It’s another example of fulfilling our mission here at Gateway, to help people to gain the training to a career of their choice.”

Applications are due March 12.

Questions? Contact Molly at (262) 564-3180.