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Emergency and uniform services | Government services
Police community support officers (PCSOs) work in a neighbourhood policing team to help deal with and prevent crime.
You can get into this role through a higher apprenticeship as a police community support officer. To do this apprenticeship, you'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent.
Volunteering
You'll need good communication skills, and experience of working with the public in community settings will be useful. It may be helpful if you have experience of community work or you've volunteered as a special constable.
Each police force has its own selection process. This will usually involve: written tests an interview an interactive test to see how you work with other people. Great value is placed on personal qualities and character, especially: the ability to remain calm under pressure, tolerance and empathy, combined with firmness.
You'll need:
You will do a variety of work in which you could:
There is no formal route from PCSO to police officer, but the training and experience you gain could help you if you want to move into this role. Many people do make being a PCSO their long-term career. You could also use your experience to mentor and train new PCSOs.
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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.
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
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?
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!
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!
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.
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
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!
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