Institute of Policing welcomes the first intake of Apprenticeships

In partnership with Cheshire Constabulary, the first cohort of Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships has started studies at the University of Chester’s Institute of Policing.

Twenty-nine Cheshire Constabulary Police Constable Degree Apprentices have started their degree programme, which will see them divide their time between University studies at the University of Chester’s Warrington Campus, and policing with Cheshire Constabulary.

The University has worked in partnership with Cheshire Constabulary since 2008, at the time when all initial constables and trainee detectives attained a foundation degree, whilst undertaking their training. In January 2015, the University launched its Institute of Policing which was established in partnership with Cheshire Constabulary, to raise the profile of police education and to offer a number of courses for anyone contemplating a career in policing.

Since then, the Institute has been delivering both undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, which prepare students for a career within law enforcement. Each course enables students to gain transferable skills that sees students graduate and obtain positions in many other occupations, as well as in policing.

Geoff Elvey, Head of the Institute of Policing, said: “This is a very exciting time for policing. It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Cheshire Constabulary Police Constable Degree Apprentices to the University of Chester, along with Cheshire Constabulary Police Trainers, who will be working alongside the Institute of Policing teaching team in the delivery of the curriculum and assessment. The implementation of the College of Policing, Police Educational Qualifications Framework (PEQF) sees policing working with Higher Education Institutions to professionalise the standard of police education. However, more importantly, it recognises the valuable contribution made by police officers and staff, for the complex roles they deliver in keeping communities safe and supporting those most vulnerable within our society, by providing them, quite rightly, with higher academic professional qualifications.

“To have the Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary come and visit the new students at the University of Chester demonstrates the commitment of the force to the PEQF. Both the University and the Constabulary play a major role within the Cheshire community and I think it’s fair to say that all the team are looking forward to developing this partnership as we move forward on this exciting journey.”

Chief Constable of Cheshire Police, Darren Martland, said: “Policing is an extremely rewarding career. However, it can also be challenging and complex and it’s essential that all officers have the skills and knowledge they require to do the job effectively.

“The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships provides new recruits with the opportunity to learn on the job by dividing their time between front line policing and studying. Ensuring that they develop the knowledge they require while also giving them the opportunity to learn first-hand out on the beat.”

Those Police Constable Degree Apprentices who have already started their Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship have commented on the course below:

“The best route into the police. Such a great way to prepare for today’s world of policing.” Rebecca Jones.

“Revolutionary opportunity to join the most unique role, combining University and the police.”
Lewis Williamson.

“A huge amount of support is offered throughout the course from Cheshire Constabulary and the University of Chester.”
George Shepherd.

“A 21st-century, innovative course, equipping the police officers of today.”
Josh Morris.

“So far this course has been diverse with true reflections on front line policing, delivered by truly passionate tutors.”
Lucinda Firman.

“Giving everyone the chance to complete a degree in policing; especially people who thought that chance had passed.”
Dan Pheasey.

“This course has shown how important it is to have a well-rounded and professional attitude towards the role of a police officer.”
Robyn Taylor.

“A great way of learning on the job, taught by the people who know best.”
Lewis Hand.

Mark Williams, Cheshire Constabulary Police Trainer for the Police Constable Degree Apprentice course, added: “The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is designed for the 21st-century police officer who needs to be critically astute, innovative, emotionally aware, reflective and caring. Combining academic thinking with practical policing skills will prepare the apprentice for the complex and fast moving world of professional policing.”

Image caption:

The University of Chester’s Institute of Policing welcomes the first intake of Cheshire Constabulary’s Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships.

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