What is an apprenticeship?
 
Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training with classroom learning. You'll be employed and work alongside experienced staff to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. As an apprentice you will ‘earn whilst you learn’
 

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What apprenticeships does West Midlands Police offer?

We offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across the force which currently include:
 

• Administration Assistant
• Laboratory Technician
• Police Community Support Officer
• IT Support Officer
• Vehicle Technician

 
We will be expanding the levels of apprenticeships that we offer. Currently our apprenticeships are at levels 2 & 3, but will be offering higher level apprenticeships from 2018/19. For example, in 2019, we will be offering Degree level Police Constable Apprenticeships.
 
Apprenticeships typically take 1 to 3 years but some can take up to 4 years to complete depending on their level and the job role.
 

Do I get a qualification as part of an apprenticeship?
 
Yes, qualifications are an important part of any apprenticeship programme. The type and level of qualification will depend on the job role that you do and will require you to attend college or a training centre to complete some of your qualification. You will also demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the job role through regular assessment, both in work and at college, which is also part of your training programme.
 

Will I earn a salary while completing my apprenticeship?

Yes you will! All of our apprentices benefit from earning while they learn.
West Midlands Police apprentices are currently paid at around £8 per hour averaging a £16,000 per year salary. This compares well to the current minimum wage rate for an apprentice which is £3.50 per hour averaging a £6,600 annual salary.
 

What support will I get as an apprentice?
 
We work with colleges and training providers who are experts in their field, and are always on hand to support our apprentices throughout their training programme. They can offer assistance and understanding to our apprentices, helping them to achieve their career goals.
In the workplace apprentices are supported by their supervisors who will be available to offer advice and guidance to you when you need it and will work closely with you to share their knowledge and ensure you get the most from the workplace training experience.
 

What are the benefits?
 
One of the greatest benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that whilst you are learning and gaining knowledge and experience, here at West Midlands Police, you earn a good salary. This means that you are you’re employed and getting paid to train and gain a work related qualification. When you consider the high costs of going to university, you can see why apprenticeships are so popular.
 

What might a typical week be like as an apprentice?
 
You’d most likely be working for four days a week, doing the job and learning from your colleagues. You also might be given specific training or set tasks to help you develop your skills.

Then you’d study at college or a training centre perhaps one day a week, where you’d learn both academic and vocational (hands-on) skills that are tailored to your job.
In addition, your apprenticeship assessor from the college or training centre would meet with you at work every few weeks to check your progress and provide additional support.
 

How old do I have to be to enrol on an apprenticeship and how long does it take to complete?
 
You have to be aged between 16 to 64 years and they take a minimum of 12 months to complete. Apprenticeships vary in length. They must be at least a year long and depending on the level and qualification can take up to 4 years to complete.
 
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school, already at college or even if you are in a job role. To start one, you’ll need to be:
 

• 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
• Living in England
• Not in full-time education
• Applicants to West Midlands Police will be required to complete pre- employment vetting checks as part of the on boarding process.

Can I stay at the company once I’ve finished my apprenticeship?
 
Many apprentices do stay with the same employer, and while there’s no guarantee you’ll be kept on, apprentices often go on to work their way up the promotion ladder with further training and development. According to research by the National Apprenticeship Service, 85% of apprentices will stay in employment, with two-thirds (64%) staying with the same employer.
 

How do I apply for a West Midlands Police apprenticeship?
 
We regularly advertise police staff apprenticeship opportunities through the West Midlands Police Careers Hub (Click Here) and via the national apprenticeship service website at (Click Here)