Apprenticeships

Staffordshire Police values apprenticeships and the opportunity for you to “earn whilst you learn”, and we support a number of different apprenticeships from front line police officer roles to a variety of police staff positions.

Forget the stereotypes; apprenticeships offer new routes into policing for all, whether you are a college leaver, career changer or returning to work after a break. Whatever your background, you will bring valuable experience and skills to our organisation which we will take pleasure in using; whilst supporting you to develop in your chosen profession.

Case study

Stephanie Boampong, Solicitor Apprentice

“I have had the opportunity to learn so much from my team and take part in a variety of exciting projects during my first few months as a solicitor apprentice for the Joint Legal Service in Staffordshire & West Midland Police.

Working with the friendliest people, Staffordshire & West Midland Police has provided me with an incredible opportunity to learn, contribute, and gain invaluable experience.

I value the level 7 solicitor apprenticeship route, in joint legal services, as it places importance on my ability to expand my knowledge and skills in a range of areas and the numerous learning opportunities that are available.

I'm looking forward to many years of being a part of the Joint Legal Services Team because there is a strong culture of support, inspiration, and caring for every member of the team.”

Case study

Georgia Russell, Police officer apprentice - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

“I decided the PCDA route was for me because it was the option that suited me and I knew I’d be earning a degree at the end of it.

I’m finding the apprenticeship really interesting but it can be challenging. Everything we’re learning now will help us when we go out in our operational role.

I would recommend the PCDA route to anyone who is considering joining the police as a police officer as you’re learning what you need to know at uni, you’ll work in operational policing in uniform alongside other officers and you will have a degree under your belt.”

Case study

William Ship, Police officer apprentice - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

“I’ve been a police officer for about five months and I am really enjoying it.

I took the PCDA route as I didn’t have a degree but I wanted to be a police officer. There aren’t many uni degrees where you get paid to do them.

There is a lot to learn and it can be difficult, but it’s important to know as much as possible to do the job we do.

I would recommend the PCDA route to anyone who is thinking of being a police officer as you get a degree and its an accessible route with lots of support.”

Case study

Annabel Kemp, Police officer apprentice - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

“I’ve always been interested in joining the police and though the PCDA route would be a great way of doing this as I not only get hands on experience but also a degree.

I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship so far and have learnt so much already. I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learnt in the classroom into practice when I go out and work alongside other police officers.”

Case Study

William Tittensor, Police officer apprentice - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

I decided to take the PCDA route into policing as I wanted to earn a degree where I could put the skills I’m learning into practice.

The PCDA is both challenging but rewarding – there is a lot to learn, especially around legislations, but we’re using this on a day-to-day basis so we’re able to put what we’re learning into practice when we’re out operationally.

I would absolutely recommend the PCDA programme. You’re working alongside other police officers who are all there for the same reason, to serve our communities and Staffordshire Police is a great place to work.

You will make life long friends as well as develop skills and abilities you can use not only in policing but outside of policing as well.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships allow you to work whilst you study by mixing on-the-job training with formal learning through a partnered learning provider, such as a college. You’ll be employed and will receive a full salary for the hours you work; working alongside experienced staff to do a real job whilst studying for your formal qualification, usually one day a week.

What apprenticeships does Staffordshire Police offer?

At Staffordshire Police, we offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across the Force. At present, we have apprentices undertaking apprenticeships in:

IT Support Technician
Supervisor / Team Leader
Data Analytics
Accounts Technician
Professional Accounting
HR Assistant

Do I get a qualification as part of an apprenticeship?

Yes, qualifications are an important part of any apprenticeship programme. The type and level of qualification will depend on the job you are doing and will require you to attend learning sessions at a college or training centre, in person or on-line. You will also demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the job role through regular assessment both in work and learning provider, which is also part of your training programme.

Will I earn a salary while completing my apprenticeship?

Yes you will! Staffordshire Police believe that all apprentices bring with them valuable insights into work from day 1, so the grade point paid to you whilst you learn is the same as any other colleagues doing the same role. All of our apprentices benefit from earning whilst they learn the role.

What support will I get as an apprentice?

We partner with learning providers that are experts in their field and they are always on hand to support our apprentices throughout their training programme. They can offer personalised assistance and understanding in supporting you at each stage as you progress through the programme, and they guide the learning so that you can understand how it relates to your role and to Staffordshire Police.

In the workplace apprentices are supported by their supervisors who will be available to offer advice and guidance to you when you need it and will work closely with you to share their knowledge and experience. Supervisors are active in meeting with you and your learning provider on a regular basis, making sure you are provided with the right learning opportunities and are getting the most out of your workplace training experience.

What are the benefits?

Earning a salary above standard apprenticeship wages (roles specific) whilst you learn a profession, and access to all the benefits of a full staff member
Learning programme is fully funded by Staffordshire Police, and you will not need to pay anything back if you leave the organisation for another role once the apprenticeship is completed!
Support and guidance offered by the supervisors to ensure that you are able to apply learning in your role and in the workplace
Learning within works time – Staffordshire Police provide you with 20% of your working time to focus on your apprenticeship
Gaining an externally recognised qualification whilst you work

How old do I have to be to enrol on an apprenticeship and how long does it take to complete?

You have to be at least age 16 and, in some cases, age 18 dependent on the role, however there is no upper age limit on undertaking apprenticeship learning.

Apprenticeships vary in length dependent upon the level of learning; some programmes can take up to 3 years, but are all a minimum of 12 months long. Each role will detail the length of the apprenticeship.

Recruitment timescales can take up to 6 months so you can apply for an apprenticeship while you are still at school, already at college, in a role already or not in work. To start an apprenticeship you will need to:

Live in England
Not be in full-time education
Not be undertaking an apprenticeship currently (unless you are expecting to transfer the apprenticeship to Staffordshire Police)

Can I stay with the police once I complete my apprenticeship?

Staffordshire Police support apprenticeships in temporary and permanent roles.

We are often able to offer apprenticeships on fixed term contracts, so that you can gain a qualification whilst you work within the organisation for a temporary period. Where this is the case, you will receive support to gain a better understanding of your career plan and will have access to the vacancies across the organisation, as full members of staff do.

If you were employed in a permanent position and undertaking an apprenticeship, you would automatically remain in post following completion of the apprenticeship.