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Police officer apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

Police officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly


    • University

    You could get a degree in any subject and apply to the Degree Holder programme the Police Now graduate leadership scheme. Alternatively you could self-fund a Professional Policing Degree before applying to join a force. You are not guaranteed a job at the end of the course. Instead, you have to apply for probationary constable roles within 5 years of completing this degree. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.

     

    College
    You could gain some of the skills and knowledge you need to apply directly or through the degree apprenticeship route by doing a course like: 

    • Level 3 National Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services
    • Level 3 Certificate in Public Services 
    • Level 3 Diploma in Policing
    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. 

    Apprenticeship
    You could start by doing a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). It's a 3 year work-based programme that leads to a degree in Professional Policing Practice. You can apply through your chosen force. If you want to work in non-emergency response situations you could do a serious and complex crime investigator degree apprenticeship. In this role, as well as police forces you could also be employed by organisations like: 

    • The National Crime Agency
    • Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs 
    • The Ministry of Defence
    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent. 

    Volunteering

    You can get a taste of what it's like to work with the police by volunteering as a special constable. You could also get paid work as a police community support officer (PCSO) before applying for police officer training. 

    Direct Application
    You'll generally need A levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, or experience in a related area like the military. You'll usually apply to one police force at a time. If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an assessment centre where you'll: 

    • have an interview 
    • take written tests 
    If you pass the tests at the assessment centre, you'll then: 

    • complete a physical fitness test 
    • have a medical, including an eyesight check 
    • go though security and background checks
    This route is gradually being withdrawn and replaced by the degree apprenticeship or degree entry routes.

    Police officer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations 
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • negotiation skills for keeping people safe 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • sensitivity and understanding for dealing with traumatic situations
    • the ability to understand people’s reactions 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • leadership skills 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to:

    • pass enhanced background checks
    • be over 18 years of age 
    • pass a fitness test

    Police officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • respond to calls for help from the public
    • investigate crimes and offences 
    • interview suspects and make arrests 
    • give evidence in court 
    • control traffic and crowds at large public events and gatherings
    • advise the public on personal safety and crime prevention 
    • promote respect for people in relation to their race, diversity and human rights
    Working environment
    You could work on a patrol or at a police station. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Police officer apprenticeships

    Once your training is complete you'll need to pass a probationary period as a police constable. There are clearly defined ranks in the service which you can move through with experience as well as taking additional examinations. There are opportunities to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example: criminal investigation department (CID), anti-fraud or road traffic drugs or firearms counter-terrorism air support or underwater search dog-handling or mounted policing With experience, you may be able to apply for promotion to sergeant, inspector or chief inspector. In the CID you'll also have the title of detective added to your rank, for example detective sergeant or detective chief inspector.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £4.30 an hour, but we’ve seen some apprentices earn over £25,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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