VOLONTÉ Launches the First Accredited Qualification Course for Social Services Workers in a Men’s Prison in the Czech Republic

On 14 October 2026, VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s. launched an accredited qualification course for social services workers at Jiřice Prison. It is the first course of this type delivered in a men’s prison in the Czech Republic. Ten people serving a prison sentence have joined the training. The course is delivered in cooperation with the Prison Service of the Czech Republic and the Labour Office of the Czech Republic.

Education in the setting of a men’s prison

The course is intended for people serving a prison sentence who are interested in gaining professional training in the field of social services.

The participants were selected by the Prison Service of the Czech Republic in cooperation with VOLONTÉ. The selection took into account their motivation, their prerequisites for working in social services, the statutory requirements and the remaining length of the sentence.

The theoretical part of the course takes place directly at Jiřice Prison and is led by VOLONTÉ lecturers.

An accredited course in the field of social services

The course is accredited by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs under number A2026/1065-PK. Its content complies with Section 37 of Decree No. 505/2006 Coll. and with the requirements for a qualification course for social services workers under Section 116 of Act No. 108/2006 Coll., on Social Services.

The training is delivered in person and comprises a total of 188 teaching hours. It includes 128 hours of theoretical instruction in the prison and 60 hours of practical placement outside the prison.

The course runs until 18 December 2026. Successful completion requires passing a written and a practical examination. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion of the accredited qualification course for social services workers.

Cooperation in delivering the course

The course is delivered by VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s. in cooperation with the Prison Service of the Czech Republic and the Labour Office of the Czech Republic.

Funding is provided by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic through the projects Nová etapa (New Stage), Věk není překážkou (Age Is Not an Obstacle) and Záruky pro mladé (Youth Guarantees). The projects are funded by the European Social Fund through the Operational Programme Employment Plus and by the state budget of the Czech Republic.