Forensic Apprentice Review
at West Midlands Police
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Science
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
Currently, I have a placement with Forensic scene investigation. This is one of four placements I have across the 21 months. I have primarily admin jobs but for me that was expected out of an apprenticeship where I am valued. I stock vans and kits, send emails and also get to shadow forensic scene investigators frequently out on the job which is an amazing experience to fully feel what the job entails. It is a fantastic way to see how WMP work in forensics.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
To begin with, it can be slow in getting enough work to do but that is simply because it takes time to be trained as competent. Now, I have lots to do and am able to keep my day full and self plan my day. I am very happy on this programme so far.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt so many new skills. Simply just learning what systems WMP use and how they use them is a massive part of how I am benefiting from this apprenticeship over going to University. I have also developed a lot of people skills and confidence through working with different people and experts in the field.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say it is well structured. It is left to each individual department what tasks they want for you to do so it can vary from department to department on the structure and organisation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have so much support and people I can turn to. From colleagues to managers. I am always checked on multiple times in the day if I need anything- there is a a lot of support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider is good, we have multiple check in sessions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I have learnt most about my role through working in the department itself. It is a lab technician apprenticeship where your placement may not always be in the lab so the qualification doesn't always help- doesn't mean that it needs to always help. There is plenty of support and learning within the department. However, the programme is designed for you to research about your department and speak about what you actually do which I do find helps my understanding of what I do in the department.
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
Yes, there is lots. The WMP Sports and wellbeing club offers many opportunities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend West Midlands Police to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is the best way to get into a job through the valuable experience you learn and the connections you make. The best decision I ever made.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to West Midlands Police?
Certainly apply. Make sure you research WMP values etc and have good knowledge about what you are applying for- show you have researched and have an interest in the role!
