UWE Bristol has teamed up with Bristol and Avon Constabulary to develop and offer a three-year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. This makes the constabulary the first force in the South West to move its initial police learning to a degree-based apprenticeship. This is an excellent way of training police constable recruits for the force, while enabling them to gain a qualification.
Launched this year, the programme places the apprentice officers in real-life situations. During lectures and workshops taught both at the police headquarters in Portishead and at UWE Bristol, they learn about leadership, communications and legislation, as well as cyber security. They also learn bespoke skills central to policing, such as how to handcuff someone safely.
In Short:
- The first 30 apprentices started their course in July 2019.
- There are now six intakes of 30 apprentices every year.
- Apprenticeships last for three years, during which students spend three quarters of their time learning on the job and the rest studying.
- Apprentices are paid £20k+ a year.
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) Vice-Chancellor Steve West said, “This programme highlights our devotion to working in partnership to deliver practice-based courses that provide individuals with the right skills and ensure they are ready for the workplace.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said “Local people deserve the best officers on our streets to keep us safe and the new apprenticeship prepares, trains and supports officers to deal with the complex crimes they will face as part of their role.”