Sussex Police launched new Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship with first student officers.
Wednesday 04 December saw 24 new student officers welcomed into Sussex
Police at the final attestation of 2019. These individuals are the first
cohort to join the organisation on the new Police Constable Degree
Apprenticeship (PCDA); one of three new entry routes created as part of
the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).
Chief Constable Giles York, said: “I’m delighted to welcome these
officers to Sussex and start them on their policing journey. They begin a
career which offers diversity, challenge and great fulfilment; where,
together, they can make a real difference to our communities.”
“They also are our first recruits on the police constable degree
apprenticeship – an innovative programme which ensures the officers of
the future have the skills and knowledge required to police today, while
recognising the existing professionalism and expertise of all our staff
and officers. I believe this ensures policing remains an attractive and
competitive career choice and appeal to many who may not have
considered policing as a career choice in the past.”
The student officers will spend nine weeks undertaking intensive
training at Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes before joining their
divisions in February 2020. Here they will begin to make a proactive,
and positive, difference to the public, while supported by their
dedicated Coaching and Development Officer.
The PCDA is a three-year vocational development programme which
recognises the commitment, training and professional standards of
policing. Using innovative learning approaches, and both on and off job
training, supported by Higher Education Institutes, those embarking on
this qualification will, upon successful completion, achieve a Degree in
Professional Policing Practice.
Jessica Davies worked in HR before joining Sussex Police. Following the
attestation, she said: “Becoming a police officer is so important to me
and I pulled out all the stops to join Sussex Police once I realised
what a fantastic opportunity the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
was.
“Knowing that I will be able to work towards a degree while working as a police officer makes me feel on top of the world!”
Jahidur Choudhury studied Public Services in college and worked in a
fast food restaurant before joining Sussex Police. He said: “When I was
young I suffered verbal racial abuse and I remember a member of the
public giving me words of encouragement when he could that this incident
had a negative effect on me.”
“His kind words really motivated me and I realised that like him, I too
could inspire people and be a positive role model in the community by
becoming a police officer.”
“It was my dream to come a police officer and I am so proud that I will be helping to protect Sussex.”
For those interested in a career in policing, or finding out more about the PCDA, visit www.sussex.police.uk/jobs