A GROUP of 29 police constable apprentices have started a degree programme which sees them divide their time between studies at the Warrington Campus of the University of Chester and policing across Cheshire.
The university has worked in partnership with Cheshire Constabulary since 2008, at the time when all initial constables and trainee detectives attained a foundation degree, while undertaking their training.
In January 2015, the university launched its Institute of Policing which was established in partnership with Cheshire Constabulary, to raise the profile of police education and to offer a number of courses for anyone contemplating a career in policing.
Since then, the Institute has been delivering both undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, which prepare students for a career within law enforcement. Each course enables students to gain transferable skills that sees students graduate and obtain positions in many other occupations, as well as in policing.
Geoff Elvey, head of the Institute of Policing, said: “The implementation of the College of Policing, Police Educational Qualifications Framework (PEQF) sees policing working with Higher Education Institutions to professionalise the standard of police education. However, more importantly, it recognises the valuable contribution made by police officers and staff, for the complex roles they deliver in keeping communities safe and supporting those most vulnerable within our society, by providing them, quite rightly, with higher academic professional qualifications.
“To have the Chief Constable of Cheshirecome and visit the new students demonstrates the commitment of the force to the PEQF. Both the University and the Constabulary play a major role within the Cheshire community and I think it’s fair to say that all the team are looking forward to developing this partnership as we move forward on this exciting journey.”
Chief Constable Darren Martland, said: “Policing is an extremely rewarding career. However, it can also be challenging and complex and it’s essential that all officers have the skills and knowledge they require to do the job effectively.
“The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships provides new recruits with the opportunity to learn on the job by dividing their time between front line policing and studying, ensuring they develop the knowledge they require while also giving them the opportunity to learn first-hand out on the beat.”
