Law Enforcement
Police Officer - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Thames Valley Police
Location
Reading
Salary
£34,164 per year (including £3,000 South East living allowance)
Duration
3 years
Degree awarded
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice
Start date
Approximately 9 months from application
Vacancy reference
PCDA
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths and English grade 4+ (A*-C equivalent); Two A-levels grade A-E or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, or one A-Level with relevant professional experience, or relevant professional experience only
About the role
A three-year professional degree-level apprenticeship programme combining on-the-job practical learning and operational competence with academic learning. From day one you are a warranted officer. Year One involves blended learning at TVP Training Centres in Sulhamstead, Reading and Kidlington, followed by operational tutoring at your Local Command Unit leading to Independent Patrol Status. Year Two builds on operational focus including response, investigation, intelligence, community policing and roads policing. Year Three includes End Point Assessment and Evidence-Based Research Project demonstrating learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Requirements
Be at least 17 years of age; British citizen or EC/EEA national with Settled status or Commonwealth citizen with Indefinite Leave to Remain; UK resident for last three years; GCSE passes in English (Language or Literature) and Mathematics (A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent; Two A-levels (grade A-E) or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, or one A-Level with relevant professional experience, or relevant professional experience only; Hold full UK driving licence; No period of imprisonment or youth detention; In good health and able to physically and mentally perform duties; No piercings or tattoos which could cause offence; Not applied unsuccessfully to Home Office Force within past six months; Live within 40 road miles and 1 hour commute of two main police stations; TVP staff (PCSO, Detention Officer, Contact Management Call Handler) must have been in role for 12 months before applying.
Skills
Problem-solvingDecision-makingInformation managementProject managementWorking under pressureOfficer safetyInvestigationCommunity policingCritical thinkingResearch
Required qualifications
Essential
GCSE · English Language or Literature · Grade 4-9 (A*-C)
Essential
GCSE · Mathematics · Grade 4-9 (A*-C)
Desired
A Level · Any · Grade A-E
Desired
Level 3 qualification · Any · Grade Any
Training & development
Year One: Blended learning programme delivered by TVP and Higher Education Institute with initial learning phase at TVP Training Centres in Sulhamstead, Reading and Kidlington. Officer safety training, arrest procedures, stop and search techniques, and seven academic assignments (four during initial phase, three during operational deployment with Protected Learning Time). Year Two: Operational focus on response, investigation, intelligence, community policing and roads policing with seven academic assignments during Protected Learning Time. Potential attachment to Assessment and Investigation Unit (20 weeks) or Neighbourhood (12 months). Year Three: Four academic assignments and End Point Assessment including Evidence-Based Research Project and Full Operational Competence assessment.
Additional training
Protected Learning Time (PLT) is built into the programme throughout three years for course completion and academic qualification achievement. Part reserved for off-the-job training delivery and part for independent study. Students may choose to spend additional time on training outside allocated hours.
Future prospects
On successful completion of the programme and probation, learning accredited with BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice. Officers can expect to be earning in excess of £53,000 per annum by their seventh year.
Company benefits
Comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes provided directly by organisation and via partnerships including Blue Light card. Active staff support networks and buddy schemes. Wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. Commitment to building workforce reflecting communities served and inclusive culture.
Things to consider
Application process typically takes about 9 months from initial application to start date. Must pass self-assessment, online assessments, interview, provisional offer stage, pre-employment checks (interview, fitness test, medical, references, vetting), and formal offer with written confirmation of posting and start date. Flexibility expected for postings based on organisational need. Not eligible if applied unsuccessfully to any Home Office Force within past six months. All posts require Police Vetting as per National Vetting Code of Practice.
About Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police works together to protect communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, employees make a difference and play important role in achieving mission. The organisation strives to improve every day, promoting culture of continuous professional development and learning where people can achieve full potential.
Website
www.thamesvalleypolice.ukIf this one works out
This role is in Reading. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £650–£900 a month.