Police degree recruitment drive to open

Nearly 80 new police degree apprentices have started their training for West Yorkshire Police this week, with recruitment due to open again later this month.
Apprentices at Carr gate.Apprentices at Carr gate.
Apprentices at Carr gate.

The apprentices are paid police officers from the outset and will be educated and mentored by officers at the West Yorkshire Police Learning and Development Centre at Carr Gate, in Wakefield, alongside studying for a degree with Leeds Trinity University.

Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams said: "I would like to wish them the best of luck as they take the first steps in their policing journey.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Working alongside studying for a degree in policing studies will no doubt pose some challenges, but it is the best preparation possible for a career as a police officer and I hope they enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the last 29 years.

"There are few professions more rewarding than being a police officer and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about applying to keep an eye out for our next recruitment window in the coming weeks.

"We would particularly welcome applications from those from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background as we work to improve our diversity in force and become more representative of West Yorkshire’s communities."

Professor Ray Lloyd, deputy vice-chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: "We have developed a programme of policing that is relevant, inspiring and impactful, and we are proud to be working with West Yorkshire Police and the new recruits.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Leeds Trinity has always been committed to transforming lives and benefiting our local community, and we are delighted to support the first cohort of Police Constable Degree Apprentices in our region, particularly during such challenging circumstances.

"We wish everyone on the course the best of luck and look forward to working with West Yorkshire Police over the coming years to train the next generation of officers."

As part of their three-year training, police constable degree apprentices will focus on areas such as being a detective, working within the roads policing unit and learning the skills of neighbourhood policing.

They are paid a full salary while they go through their training, with all university fees paid for by the force apprenticeship levy.