A Thames Valley Police officer has shared her story of moving from being a police cadet to working as a fully operational officer through an apprenticeship scheme.
Charlotte, who now serves in the mental health team as an Assessment and Investigation Unit officer, described how the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship allowed her to gain practical policing experience while studying for academic qualifications.
Speaking about her decision, she said the apprenticeship immediately seemed like the ideal fit for her. She wanted to earn a degree but also wished to be actively doing the job rather than spending all her time attending lectures.
Her enthusiasm for policing began during her teenage years, when she spent five years as a force cadet before progressing to become a cadet leader. She explained that this period gave her valuable early insight into the profession.
She continued that this experience stayed with her. It gave her an understanding of policing and confirmed that this was the career path she wanted to follow.
Before joining the police, Charlotte worked in retail, which she believes prepared her well for the realities of the role. She said that dealing with members of the public every day, handling difficult situations, and building communication skills with different people definitely stood her in good stead.
She praised the structure of the apprenticeship programme, highlighting how beneficial it was to get hands-on experience straight away. She noted that the programme allowed her to learn something and then apply it immediately, which helped concepts click into place. The trainers were also incredibly supportive and genuinely wanted their students to succeed.
However, she acknowledged the challenges of the programme, particularly balancing academic work with her operational duties. She said that managing assignments alongside studying and going out on patrol was tough. It really tested her organisational skills and mental strength.
Despite this, Charlotte believes the programme broadened her knowledge significantly. She said she was exposed to different areas of policing, including neighbourhoods, the incident command room, and now the Assessment and Investigation Unit. It helped her find where her real interests and abilities lay.
For those thinking about applying for the apprenticeship, her advice is straightforward. She said people should remain true to themselves and give their all to everything they do. They might be surprised at what they can accomplish.
She regards the programme as providing an excellent foundation for a career in law enforcement. She concluded that it is demanding, but the benefits make it worthwhile. For anyone committed and willing to put in the hard work, the apprenticeship can set them up for a highly rewarding career in policing.