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21 July 2026
The word overseer may sound old-fashioned, but it means exactly what it says - someone who oversees work.
At Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW), overseers look after all sorts of industries, from groundskeeping and plumbing to laundry, kitchens and furniture work. They help manage the day-to-day jobs that keep correctional centres running safely and smoothly.
But the role is about more than that.
For qualified tradies, becoming an overseer is a chance to step into a secure government job, use their skills in a new setting and genuinely have an influence in people’s lives.
Overseers work side by side with inmates, helping them build practical skills, confidence and routine. Along the way, they become trainers, mentors and role models.
Luke Pung knows how important that balance is.
After completing a trade in air conditioning and refrigeration and running his own business for 15 years, he was ready for something different.
“I had a family member who worked for CSNSW and loved his job. He suggested I look into a role with corrections, and here I am,” Luke said.
“I’ve been here seven years, and it’s been the perfect change for me.”
Now a Senior Overseer, Facilities Maintenance, at Cessnock Correctional Complex, Luke splits his time between keeping the site running and supervising inmates in trade areas.
“A typical day involves planning jobs, supervising a team and making sure everything’s done safely and to a good standard,” he said.
“At the same time, the inmates are getting real, hands-on experience and learning new trade skills.
“They take those skills with them when they leave, which gives them a much better shot at finding work and settling back into the community. We know that also helps reduce reoffending.”
For Kevin Twaddell, moving into CSNSW was about stability and new opportunities.
After finishing up as a welder with the State Rail Authority, he used his experience as a motor mechanic and fitter welder to join as a General Industries Overseer.
“The job security of a government role appealed to me, and I had friends at CSNSW who spoke really highly of it,” Kevin said.
“A position as an overseer offered better pay for trade-qualified applicants and countless opportunities to move across to other trade-related areas.”
“One of the biggest benefits is how much you can expand your skills. There are lots of pathways to branch out into different trades through on-the-job training or even move into completely different roles if you want a change.
“You come in with your trade, but you also build strong communication, leadership and people management skills along the way.”
Overseers must have a trade or vocational background, and they complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice, picking up important knowledge around policy, procedures and safety.
For Kevin, mentoring others is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“Inmates working with Corrective Service Industries (CSI) really value the time overseers spend with them,” he said.
“We’re helping them build skills but also giving them a sense of direction and hope. They leave with more confidence about being able to succeed in the community.
“The right guidance and a good connection can make a big difference.”
Both Kevin and Luke see firsthand the opportunities this work creates.
Inmates working in CSI get direct experience and can access formal training across a wide range of industries, including electrical, plumbing, food services, logistics, agriculture and more.
“Electrical and plumbing skills, in particular, can be really valuable for them,” Kevin said.
“CSI also offers traineeships across a number of other industries.”
Luke agrees the benefits go well beyond the job itself.
“Working alongside staff gives inmates real-world experience and opens doors for future employment,” he said.
“They have access to formal training in a range of areas.”
With support from overseers, inmates build more than just skills. They develop routine, confidence and a sense of achievement, the things that help them move forward after release.
And for overseers, that’s what makes the role so rewarding. It’s a unique chance to combine hands-on trade work with the opportunity to lead, mentor and change lives.
If you’re a tradie looking for something different, CSNSW is currently recruiting overseers across a range of industries. Take a look at CSNSW overseer jobs on the I work for NSW site.