Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

If you join on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) you'll train for three years, combining the practical 'on the job' training with study towards a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice.

The training will see you move around frontline teams across our force area, learning the job. 

At the end of your training you'll be ready to decide where your career will take you - be it in a neighbourhood policing role, working towards promotion through the ranks, in a specialist team like firearms or Investigations.

Eligibility

You’ll need a Level 3 qualification (which is two A-levels or equivalent) in at least two subjects plus Maths and English GCSEs. We may be able to take into consideration equivalent relevant experience or training, for example if you are joining after leaving the military. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis – please email our careers team.

An overview of the training

The PCDA training focuses on practical learning and is specifically designed to prepare you for policing. You'll start out at our Birmingham training base for the first few weeks, before beginning your time on frontline policing teams.

There will be an element of classroom-based studying (delivered in force, with a partner university) throughout, which will help to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a police officer. However, you’ll be employed as a police officer from day one and will spend the vast majority of your time on the frontline with experienced officers. 

Throughout your training, you’ll undertake a number of operational deployments including:

• Response - this involves responding to emergency calls from the public and going out to the scene of the incident  
• Neighbourhood policing - this involves working with a neighbourhood policing team (NPT). They are usually a small team of police officers and police community support officers who are dedicated to policing a certain community or area.  
• Investigations - using all the tools available to you, both office-based and out in the community.   

You’ll be supported every step of the way with coaching and tutoring, and you’ll be working alongside experienced officers throughout. 

And at the end of three years, you’ll gain a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice. There are no associated tuition fees, the training programme is fully funded.

Interested? Apply Now!