Policing
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Policing like?
Do you want to make Scotland a safer place? If so, studying for a policing apprenticeship gives you the chance to be part of a sector that is focused on protecting people.
The apprenticeship is ideal for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in Scottish society. Discover how to investigate a crime scene and handle evidence. Improve your knowledge of crime-fighting techniques such as surveillance, access control and e-reporting. Develop strong relationships with local communities and help to keep the peace.
Whether you’re interested in crime prevention or rehabilitation, there’s a role for you in Scotland’s policing industry. Become a police constable and investigate different cases. Work as a road policing officer and monitor busy thoroughfares. Become a dog handler and work with police canines to detect illegal substances.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Certificate in Policing at SCQF Level 7
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:
Carry out operational safety training
Adhere to Scottish criminal law and principles of evidence
Protect local communities
Look out for the health and wellbeing of fellow police officers
Conduct systematic searches
Carry out road policing
You will develop the following core skills:
Communication
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Time management
These transferrable skills are useful for working in other jobs such as investigation analysis and surveillance.
This Modern Apprenticeship gives you a variety of career options within the Police to consider. Carry on your studies with a civil service-related degree or find a full-time job in the policing industry.
Further education: Continue to improve your legal knowledge by studying for a bachelor’s degree in policing. Your experience will support your university application.
Straight to work: Use your qualifications and find a policing job. After completing the apprenticeship, you could move onto jobs like:
Police constable
Investigations analyst
Dog handler
Authorised firearms officer
Roads police officer
Civilian police investigator
Police vehicle technician
Entry requirements
Due to the nature of the role, you will need to be 18 to apply for a policing apprenticeship. There is a rigorous recruitment process that involves a high level of physical and mental fitness. To be eligible for the apprenticeship you must:
Have a body mass index between 18 – 30 and meet mandatory national eyesight standards
Be mentally capable of carrying out policing duties
The application process involves a Standard Entrance Test (SET), interview, assessment day and fitness assessment.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This Modern Apprenticeship will take two years to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.