Skip to main content

Fingerprint officer apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services | Science and research

Fingerprint officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • applying directly


    • University

    You could give yourself an advantage by doing a relevant degree in:

    • forensic science 
    • criminology 
    • applied science
    • chemistry
    • biology
    You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. 

    Direct Application
    Each police service sets its own entry requirements, but to start as a trainee fingerprint officer you'll often need one or more of the following: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including maths, English and a science subject
    • A-Levels or equivalent qualifications 
    • experience of working in the police service 
    Police services will carry out checks into your background and employment history. This might also include checks on your close family members. Some knowledge of forensic and photographic techniques is helpful though not essential.

    Fingerprint officer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • the ability to work on your own legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to:

    • pass security checks
    • pass enhanced background checks
    You'll usually need a driving licence.

    Fingerprint officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    As a fingerprint officer, you could: 

    • attend crime scenes to collect fingerprint evidence 
    • take prints from bodies at incident scenes or in a mortuary 
    • compare prints with those of suspects
    • scan police fingerprint forms into national fingerprint database systems 
    • analyse prints and marks to uncover links between crime scenes 
    • work with forensic staff to collect traces of other evidence left by fingerprints 
    • eliminate prints to rule out people not under suspicion 
    • classify records and maintain fingerprint databases 
    • prepare and present evidence for investigators and for court 
    • attend training on new fingerprint methods and technology
    Working environment
    You could work in a laboratory. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Fingerprint officer apprenticeships

    With experience, you could become a senior fingerprint officer or scientific support manager. With further training, you could become a scenes of crime officer (SOCO), or move into forensics or criminal intelligence work.

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Graduate Sustainability Analyst - London - 2025

    • Environmental Sciences
    • 605.63 p/w
    • Graduate
    • London

    London
    Graduate Sustainability Analyst - London - 2025

    As a Graduate Sustainability Analyst, you will become part of our Schneider Electric Global Sustainability Business, dedicated to helping companies transform energy into manageable expenditure, improve efficiency, accomplish energy sustainability goals, and lead the way in proactive energy management systems.

    More Info & Apply
    Graduate Sustainability Analyst - Edinburgh - 2025

    • Environmental Sciences
    • 605.63 p/w
    • Graduate
    • Edinburgh

    Midlothian
    Graduate Sustainability Analyst - Edinburgh - 2025

    As a Graduate Sustainability Analyst, you will become part of our Schneider Electric Global Sustainability Business, dedicated to helping companies transform energy into manageable expenditure, improve efficiency, accomplish energy sustainability goals, and lead the way in proactive energy management systems.

    More Info & Apply
    Physics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced)

    • Laboratory Technician
    • 322.13 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Reading

    Berkshire
    Physics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced)

    We are AWE. We’re a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • South West England

    Avon
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • South East of England

    Berkshire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • London and Essex

    London
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • Wales

    South Glamorgan
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • West Midlands

    West Midlands
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • North and East Midlands

    Leicestershire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • North West England

    Lancashire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • North Central England

    South Yorkshire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • Central and West Scotland

    Selkirkshire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply

    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs