Police Apprenticeships
Ever wondered what it's really like to be a police officer? Whether you want to make a difference in your community or really like the idea of working in a fast-paced role that’s different every day, a career in the police can offer a lifelong job.
So how do you join the police? Through an apprenticeship! Since 2019, apprenticeships have been the best way to become a police officer. Here's a quick breakdown:
LEVELS: 4 (PSCO) and 6 (Police Constable) | SALARY: Between £25,000 and £40,000 | WHEN TO APPLY: Opportunities throughout the year
Read on to find out all about apprenticeships with the police and how you can get involved.
What do police officers actually do?
No, being a police officer isn’t always high-speed chases (although it happens), but it is an officer’s job to protect the public and uphold the law. A police officer’s day can vary from day to day, but you’ll get on with the following:
Talking to people in their community and building relationships
Investigating crimes and gathering evidence
Writing reports and keeping detailed records
Responding to emergency calls and helping people in crisis
Working with other agencies to solve problems
Preventing crime through community engagement.
There are loads of other jobs you could be called to, including crowd control, patrolling, traffic control and interviewing suspects.
What types of police apprenticeships are there?
There are two types of police apprenticeships. Let’s break it down.
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Level: 4 (Higher)
Duration: 12 months
You'll patrol your local area, get to know residents, and help prevent crime through building relationships. You'll wear protective equipment and carry a radio, but your main tools are your people skills and local knowledge.
If you love working with people and want to make a visible difference in your community, this is for you.
I developed much better communication skills to deescalate situations and have gotten a lot better at assessing the best approach with different people. I have enjoyed the practical side completely and, to my surprise, really enjoyed the classroom phase too which is a massive credit to the trainers to make it enjoyable and understandable for everyone even if academia isn't your strong point. Apprentice Police Community Support Officer, Northumbria Police
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Level: 6 (Degree Apprenticeships)
Duration: 3 years
As a Police Constable, you'll have full police powers and handle everything from minor disputes to serious investigations. You'll work with vulnerable people, manage sensitive cases, and be trusted to make important decisions.
This role requires emotional maturity, but don't worry, the three-year training programme will help you develop all the skills you need.
Meet PC Chloe Martin, an apprentice on the PCDA. Here’s how she found her time with the Northamptonshire Police:
Can a 16-year-old join the police force?
Unfortunately not, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to become a police apprentice. To get onto a police apprenticeship, you’ll need the following:
PCSO
Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including english and maths
Two A Levels (or similar Level 3 qualification like BTEC/NVQ/SVQ.
PCDA
Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including english and maths
Two A Levels (or similar Level 3 qualification like BTEC/NVQ/SVQ.
You’ll also need to be physically fit (you’ll do a bleep test as part of your application!)
Where could this career take me?
One of the best things about starting with a police apprenticeship is where it can lead. The police force actively encourages career development, and there are loads of paths you could take, such as:
Detective work investigating serious crimes
Joining specialist units like the traffic police, cybercrime or drug units
Becoming a sergeant, inspector or other leadership roles
Teaching new recruits
Getting into specialist fields like forensics, family liaisons or counter-terrorism.
Many officers also take secondments (a temporary transfer) to other agencies, police units or work with schools and youth groups.
How much do police apprentices earn?
During your apprenticeship, you'll earn at least the apprenticeship minimum wage. But employers usually pay a lot more. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll get depending on the police path you choose:
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO): Between £25,000 and £35,000
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): Between £28,000 and £40,000.
Once you’ve finished your apprenticeship, you’ll also receive a pay bonus. This can vary by force, but will always be outlined in the job description.
On top of that, you’ll also earn a lot of really great benefits which can include free travel (if you live and work in London), a pension scheme, free physiotherapy and on-site gyms.
How do I apply for a police apprenticeship?
Applications for the PCDA usually open in the autumn (around September) for the following year, but some forces will recruit all year round. If you’re interested in a PCSO apprenticeship, employers look throughout the year.
Once you’ve decided which route to take, you’ll start with an online application where you’ll also complete a short online assessment, which checks if you have the key behaviours and values to join the police.
Next, you’ll do another online assessment made up of three parts: a competency-based interview, a written assessment and a briefing exercise.
Then you’ll attend an in-person assessment, similar to an assessment centre, where you’ll take part in interviews, roleplay and medical and fitness tests.
If you’ve passed your assessment, the police will carry out pre-employment and vetting checks to make sure you meet their standards.
Each force outlines its recruitment process in its job descriptions, so you know exactly what happens at each stage.
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