Steph's story

Steph's story

Age: 29

 

What apprenticeship did you complete/ are you currently completing?

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).

 

How did you hear about this apprenticeship?

I have a horse and another girl who uses the same stables as me was already on the PCDA, so that’s how I found out about it.

 

What made you decide to go down the apprenticeship route?

That was the only option at the time, however I think given the choice again, I would pick the apprenticeship route because it’s a brilliant opportunity to learn and get a degree whilst working in the field of study.

 

Can you describe a typical day to us?

I'm currently in my initial training period. We are either at Teesside University or at the Learning and Development Centre. We cover all sorts of topics such as laws and policy, and also the practical aspects of policing including all of the computer systems and applications police officers are expected to use.

We also conduct academic research and study that’s delivered by the university lecturers. It’s a good balance of knowledge from operational police officers and partner agencies mixed with academic work set by the university.

 

What part of your apprenticeship have you enjoyed the most?

I'm due to become operational in the very near future, and so in the grand scheme of my career I've only been a police officer or even on the apprenticeship a short period of time.

I enjoyed Personal Safety training probably because of the practical aspect of it all. I also enjoyed learning about the different roles that will be available to me throughout my career. I knew there would be lots of departments within the Force, but I thought they would be harder to access. From what I have learned so far there are lots and lots of opportunities for career development.

 

What benefits have you noticed from completing an apprenticeship?

I'm still in the early stages of my apprenticeship but I can see that getting the academic base is going to benefit me in the future, and I can also work while I learn. This is really beneficial as I don’t have to go to extra classes on a night for example. I feel lucky to be able to gain a career with really valuable life skills as well as getting a degree in the process without having to have student loans or sacrificing a massive part of my family life.

 

Do you feel supported as part of your apprenticeship?

Yes.

 

Why would you recommend it to others?

I would say that it’s a good learning tool and I think that if you want to get into the police this is a good route. I'm gaining lots of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of what it means to be a police officer. I feel like this route is broadening my mindset and encouraging me to think about the bigger picture and all aspects of policing, such as socio-economics and theories behind why we do what we do as police officers.

 

To find out more about the range of opportunities available at our Force, visit our Careers page. 

Expressions of interest are also open for our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) opportunity.