SYP - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) - May / June 2023
Role: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Location: South Yorkshire Police
Salary: £23,556 or £26,682
Hours: 40 per week
Be the future of South Yorkshire Police
Being a police constable is not just a job. It’s a career.
South Yorkshire Police is recruiting for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) with projected start dates from March 2024 onwards.
Becoming a police constable is a career like no other. Not only will you be taking on challenges that will change your life, but you’ll be working to protect the people and communities of South Yorkshire. This is a career where you’ll travel between urban cities and rural towns, meeting people from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a sixth form, or college leaver, a supermarket worker or ex-military, we know that you’ll have plenty of transferable skills which you can bring to a career with the police. Things like following process, social and emotional intelligence, conversation skills and the ability to diffuse a situation are all skills we search for in our candidates. If you have the relevant experience and strengths, all you have to do is apply.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
South Yorkshire Police is offering a three-year apprenticeship in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University. The apprenticeship will combine the opportunity to work and learn the role of a front-line officer whilst gaining a Degree in Professional Policing Practice.
To be eligible for this apprenticeship you must meet at least one of the following entry qualification criteria:
- Have achieved a standard of education equivalent to a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points (or a full level 4 or 5 qualification) – these points could be from your A Levels or Level 3 Diplomas. Please check your UCAS points here; https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
- Are currently studying towards A Levels or a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points and are due to complete your studies by August 2023.
- Have achieved an academic or vocational qualification gained outside England and Wales, which is considered by the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to be a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points.
- Have experience as a PCSO, Special Constable, Call Handler (within a Police Force) or Investigation Officer within the last 3 years or
- Have served in the military, armed forces and have successfully completed the minimum term of service (usually 4 years) and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge. You will be asked to complete a 500-word academic assessment exercise during the recruitment process.
Applicants who don’t hold 80 UCAS points would not usually be accepted onto the course. However, there may be times when other equivalent qualifications may be considered and extensive relevant work experience may be considered, such applications are assessed individually and will be required to undertake a 500-word academic assessment.
Relevant work experience could come from a wide variety of professions both public and private sector and could include transferable experience and skills for example: where you have to demonstrate an ability to solve problems or make informed decisions, research, retain and convey complex information, managed a varied workload or projects, worked under pressure or to tight time scales.
You will need to provide proof of your UCAS points or your predicted grades with your initial application to South Yorkshire Police. Your application will not be assessed by Sheffield Hallam University without them.
Maths and English
As you are joining an apprenticeship you will be required to provide proof of Level 2 Maths and English by the end of your apprenticeship.
The qualifications acceptable are:
- GCSE or iGCSE at grade C/level 4 or above
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Key Skills Level 2
Please be aware that if you cannot provide proof of your qualification within the first 12 weeks of your course you will be enrolled onto functional skills to complete further study.
If you hold a degree or are currently studying for one you will need to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme. Please visit our website to find out more about this entry route.
Eligibility:
On application all applicants:
- Must be 17 or above at the time of application, however you will need to be 18 before appointment.
- Have lived in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application.
- Have leave to enter or leave to remain and work in the UK for an indefinite period leave to remain in the UK.
- Ideally, hold a full manual driving licence, applications will be accepted if you don’t have a full manual driving licence, however you will be expected to have taken and passed your test before appointment.
- Must not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms of face that could be offensive. Tattoos - The Force is currently reviewing the Standards and Appearance Policy, with particular focus on Tattoos. All visible tattoos will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, pending consultation of the policy review. Until such time, please do not be discouraged from applying to the Force. Any visible tattoos will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
- Must not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group
For further information, please visit our eligibility criteria & FAQ’s pages.
Joining the police force is a life choice. There will be a lot expected of you, especially when it comes to working nights and unsociable hours, but no day is the same. This is a career that will keep you on your toes; it is a challenge, but the reward is immense.
What we offer
- Starting salary of either £23,556 or £26,682 depending on qualifications/accreditation/experience. This rises year on year up to £43,032 at seven years’ service
- Adjustment grant for applicants who can demonstrate a reduction in salary on starting with the force
- Annual leave of 22 days increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
- Access to a generous pension scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities leading to rank progression, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and beyond.
- Employee assistance service (accessible 24/7) covering a wide range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle issues
- Support and advice from our Occupational Health Unit
- Access to established staff support groups
For further information, please visit our ‘what we offer’ page.
Recruitment Timeline:
The planned start date is March 2024.
Please make sure you are available for dates within all stages of the recruitment process as alternatives may not be able to be accommodated. Dates are subject to change.
National Sift: 18th July – 1st August 2023
Proof Reading Exercise: 9th August – 10th August 2023
National Assessment Centre: 29th August – 5th September 2023
Force Interview: 9th October 2023 – 20th October 2023
Contact point for applicants:
For further information about the role or for any queries, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on policerecruit@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an organisation that welcome, support and value those from underrepresented communities. From difference comes invaluable life experiences, ideas and ways of thinking and by encouraging individuality we are working towards serving our communities and understanding our public better. Please visit the diversity and inclusion page to find out more: Positive Action - Join SYP - SYP (southyorkshire.police.uk)
If you are from an underrepresented group and want to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
Closing Date: 30th June 2023
Familiarisation Event:
We are holding a familiarisation event at our training centre, Robert Dyson House, Golden Smithies Lane, Wath-upon-Dearne, S64 7EF on Wednesday 21st June 2023 at 6.00 pm
To book a place please use the link below:
Apply for the role:
To apply for the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button.
This opportunity is closed to applications.