Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship - now open!

Bedfordshire Police are inviting applications for the role of Police Constable through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship combines on the job learning with working towards a fully funded degree, all while earning a competitive salary and making a difference to East of England communities. You’ll be a police officer from the day you join - embarking on an exciting career like no other.

We strongly advise that you read the information available on our website prior to completing the application form as it contains important information and guidance; the information will assist you with making a successful application and also provides a comprehensive overview of the entry requirements.

Please note, for Bedfordshire internal candidates, if you are currently a Communications Operator, Detention Officer or a PCSO you will need to have completed a minimum level of service in that role before applying for the role of Police Officer. This is to ensure the Bedfordshire Police receives a return on investment on the training invested for your current role. This 12 months for PCSO's and 18 months for both Communications Operators and Detention Officers.

Bedfordshire Police is committed to fairness towards all members of the community. We are looking for individuals with a range of skills and experiences from a mixture of backgrounds in order to deliver an excellent Police service. We welcome and encourage applications from all diverse groups from within our communities.

If you are successful in the police officer application process, you will then be asked to provide evidence of your academic qualifications for assessment by Anglia Ruskin University.

If you do not have copies of your GCSE, O Level, CSE or A-Level you can request a certified statement of results.

For your application to meet the academic requirements, you will need to provide evidence of the following:

• GCSE Maths and English at a minimum of grade C or 4 (or equivalent qualification, such as level 2 functional skills in Maths and English)
  
  In addition to the Maths and English requirements, the following criteria will also be applied:
  
  
• Applicants with passes in two A Levels (or equivalent) consisting of 32 UCAS points will automatically meet the academic entry requirements.
  
  
• Applicants with less than 32 UCAS points will be considered if they can provide evidence of at least one year’s employment in a role with comparable skills to policing or academic study. These applicants will be invited to complete an aptitude test followed by a suitability discussion where an assessment will be made on their ability to meet the academic demands of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Applicants who pass the suitability discussion criteria will have met the university entry requirements.
  
  Further information on UCAS points can be found here.
  
  Ideally, you will hold a Full Manual UK driving licence. If not, you must hold a full licence within 18 months of your start date.
  
  Applicants will also have to meet the eligibility for becoming a police officer and pass the Police Online Recruit Assessment Centre. See the College of Policing website for more information.
  
  The next step in the process, after a successful application and review by ARU, is the virtual national assessment centre.
  
  If you have existing service as a Police Officer, please do not apply through this vacancy but through the Transferee/Rejoiner advert.
  
  To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.
  
  Why work for Bedfordshire Police?
  
  We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.
  
  If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you.
  
  Benefits include:
  • Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service.
  • Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
  • Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
  • Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
  • Carers and discretionary leave.
  • Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
  • Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
  • Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
  • Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
  • Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
  • The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
  • Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.
  
  Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  
  We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.
  
  All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for