Forensic Laboratory Technician Apprentice Review
at West Midlands Police
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I help maintain and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, while aiding in the movements and treatments of exhibits taken from scenes of crime.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The apprenticeship is a great experience to witness many departments within forensics and interact with a wide range of people from staff to officers to the public. I enjoy the connections I have with colleagues; the treatment of exhibits in the lab; and the prospect of a job in the police.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've developed my skills of LIMS used in the police; scientific skills when creating reagents in the lab; and practical skills when chemically treating exhibits.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
We have set departments we rotate around every 5/6 months as well as 20% of our time dedicated to CSR coursework.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Everyone in the departments are lovely and I truly feel welcome and at home. My managers have been supportive of any issues or struggles that I am facing.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
CSR and my tutor are amazing! They have been very supportive of my work and considerate regarding delays and issues with course work. They are always helping us to expand our skills by organising events, such as visiting the Science Museum in London to promote apprenticeships.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
CSR helps us understand the inner workings of a laboratory which helps my understanding of my role in the organisation.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
WMP has a wide variety of activities to get involved in for example : the sports and social club offer 50+ sports clubs; there are many open days and events with the public or students we can be involved in; to a vast array of communities where everyone is welcome such as the LGBT Network, Association of Muslim police, and Neurodiversity Staff Network e.c.t.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend West Midlands Police to a friend?
Yes
Why?
WMP has a vast variety of roles and departments as the second largest force in the UK. If there is a role in the police you would like to apply for i'm sure WMP has it. The force is extremely busy so there is no shortage of work and experience. However the job is stressful, as there is a lot of responsibility put on our shoulders to do well first time, so keep that in mind.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to West Midlands Police?
It is a very stressful working environment with significant consequences if something goes wrong. However everyone is very supportive and will help you in any way you need, just don't be afraid to ask for help.
