Aviation engineer to prison officer: S’pore man, 32, has no regrets making switch to uniformed career in corrections

Two years ago, Matin Holmberg left his engineering career to become a Senior Prison Officer. The 32-year-old has always been drawn to the uniform and the service of his nation. Speaking with Mothership, Holmberg shared his experiences and what led him to make the switch from aerospace engineering to a career in corrections.

Holmberg's interest in serving the nation started during his National Service, where he completed Basic Military Training with the Singapore Armed Forces and later served as a Rota Commander in the Singapore Civil Defence Force. His father, who had a 30-year career in the Singapore Civil Defence Force, also played a significant role in Holmberg's decision to pursue a career in service, as he aspired to emulate his father's values of integrity and dedication.

Holmberg underwent nine months of training with the Singapore Prison Service, which included residential training at the Home Team Academy and on-the-job training in various prison institutions. This experience taught him essential "jailcraft" and solidified his commitment to serving the community.

A typical day for Holmberg as a Senior Correctional Unit Officer involves early morning exercises, followed by inmate movements and various administrative tasks. He handles challenging situations, such as managing uncooperative inmates, and works closely with his team to maintain a safe and secure environment. Holmberg's job requires strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Ultimately, his role is about working with people and helping them navigate through difficult emotions.