Digital forensic apprentice Review
at West Midlands Police
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Birmingham
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.7 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I work on the SAT (scene attendance team) and this role requires me to triage devices either at scene or a police station. Triage involves examining devices to determine the urgency in which a device has to be submitted to the lab or equally what devices do not require any further action.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the work side of the programme slightly more than the learning side. While I enjoy Blue Lights Digital training, I find it is sometimes a bit jumbled up and the learning is not necessary on par with the work that we are doing.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my skills massively since joining WMP, I did not have much of a knowledge prior of digital forensics, data collection and technology. While it is a steep learning curve I feel like I am managing it well due to the support from my colleagues and fellow apprentices.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
There has been few times where the lessons have not gone to plan and It has been quite tedious. I feel like the learning has also been catered more too other police forces and the previous cohort. I do enjoy the training and the trainers are really helpful and supportive.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
WMP have provided a lot of support with regards to the apprenticeship and have offered time to work through the BLD portfolio and learning. Supervisors at work are really supportive with work aswell.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider provides a lot of opportunities for development and supports us towards any qualifications we are working toward.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think the training provided by BLD creates a good base and framework for the work we do on a day to day basis. While we do a lot of practical work on the job it is important to know the theory behind it all and I think the training provides that. However, sometimes I think the learning is not always relevant to the job work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
N/A
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend West Midlands Police to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend this apprenticeship as I feel it offers you a great qualification which is transferable to any role. The job itself is really rewarding and interesting and the training provided by BLD gives you a wide range of skills and knowledge.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to West Midlands Police?
I would say don't be scared, it feels overwhelming going into a sector you know little to nothing about and while it is a steep learning curb it is manageable with the correct support!
