Forensic Apprentice Review
at West Midlands Police
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
We rotate around several departments such as the Fingerprint Development laboratory, the Major crime lab, Forensic scene investigation, Digital forensics and the Fingerprint Bureau. We are responsible for booking in exhibits, treating exhibits, making reagents, cleaning DNA clean labs and up holding the national fingerprint database.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the programme it is a perfect mix of learning on the job and completing written work. There is nothing I'd rather be doing.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Many different skills have been learnt such as how to handle forensic evidence, and work within a quality management system. My lab skills have been greatly developed by getting a real hands on experience in the lab.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is very structured and organised with key dates always being highlighted in advance, meetings are frequent and allow for any questions or queries.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel very supported with workloads and finding a balance between work and learning.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive lots of support from my training provider who always make sure that I have any information I might need, they will always answer questions quickly and effectively.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification really helps me to perform better in my role as it refreshes my knowledge around working in labs and makes sure that I am aware of the correct procedures I need to follow.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There is a lot of activities that I can get involved with such as conferences, open days, fairs and recruitment days.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend West Midlands Police to a friend?
Yes
Why?
West Midlands Police is a well structured, organised and interesting place to work. The work that is completed there is detrimental and so important for society and being involved is something to be proud of..
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to West Midlands Police?
Make the most of it and try to see and do as much as you can as there is so many experiences and opportunities available.
