Apprenticeship non-degree entry
The PCDA route in an apprenticeship scheme where you can join the police and be an operational police officer from, you know, the moment that you join and at the same time you get paid to do a degree.
For me, I chose this route because I was freshly out of A Levels so I was still in the swing of things with assessments and stuff like that so I thought this would be a great route for me to join, as well as getting practical experience in the world of policing.
The opportunity to get paid while doing a degree and also doing a job that I really enjoy is something, it’s a no-brainer.
I’m a police constable with nearly 24 years’ service as a police officer and I’ve been a trainer for the last five years here at Northamptonshire Police. The attributes I look for are hardworking, so I want them to have an amazing work ethic, I want them to be compassionate, caring and kind, and I think not just to each other, I wanted to take that outside to the members of the public that they deal with whether they’re suspects or victims, we want them to deal with them with compassion and care etcetera.
Northamptonshire Police as a force offer so many different opportunities, there are so many different roles you could go into.
If you can study and get a degree at the same time as policing operationally then you’ve got the skills to do the sergeants exam, the inspectors’ exam, you’ve got the technical acumen to then go on and be in a leadership position. It’s the breeding ground I think for future leaders.
I had a real sense of confidence that a career was there for me after the three-year process.
We’ve got an open-door policy where any concerns students have, whether they’re in or out of work, they come to us and my job is not just to teach them law, it’s also to kind of look after their welfare.
We are so, so proud of our county and so proud of the relationship that we’ve got with the University of Northampton, and we work together with the lecturers and professionals there really, really well.
I would 100% recommend this entry route. I’m enjoying it a lot so far and I know I will do once I finish my three years.
The people are amazing here, honestly. I travel from Birmingham every day for the last nine years at Northamptonshire because of people, amazing.
The only requirement really is that you’re over 18 and a half but I’m looking for people from all backgrounds, all educational levels, all walks of life to come and join the apprenticeship scheme.
You can still submit an application if you are awaiting your A level or level 3 results, by using your predicted grades, in line with our eligibility criteria. Final results must be submitted before your start date.
If you decide to take this route – known as the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – you will be a police officer from the first day. From September 1, 2024, the starting salary will be £29,907 and you'll have the potential to earn up to £48,231. That means, gaining a degree you don't have to pay for, while working in the job as a police officer.
Entrants receive practical on-the-job training alongside academic theory and knowledge while earning.
This is a structured three year programme, after successful completion you are awarded a degree in professional policing practice at no cost to yourself. A £30,000 degree, fully funded by Northants Police.
Assessment of academic and operational competence is ongoing throughout the programme and carried out through a collaborative partnership between the force and one or more learning providers such as a university.
Education and development during this year is at academic level 4, with the aim of preparing officer for operational deployment with the support of a tutor or mentor. This is to enable you to achieve independent patrol status (IPS), which must happen by the end of year one.
The second year see officers take a significant step forward in the development of a highly skilled, multi competent police constable – academic level 5.
The apprentice will undertake advanced learning across five areas:
- Response policing
- Community policing
- Policing the roads
- Information and intelligence
- Conducting investigations
During year three the officer will undertake advanced learning, development and professional practice at academic level 6, associated within a chosen specialism from the five areas of professional practice covered in year two.
An officer's education will culminate in the completion of an evidence based research project and a reflective piece in the form of a presentation. Alongside the academic assessment, individual’s operational performance and competence will be assessed via the completion of an operational competence portfolio. Together they will form part of an End Point Assessment (this is an external site).
Hear from some of our current PCDA officers
Current vacancies
Our recruitment window for applications to the Police Constable Apprenticeship (PCDA) entry route is now closed.
If you're interested in joining us, take a look at all our current vacancies or register your details with our Talent Bank to be notified when a vacancy becomes available.
For further information and support email: [email protected]
If you need help with your application, the Positive Action team are there to help. Use the link below to see how they can assist you, or email them at [email protected]
