Meet some of our apprentices

Jeannette - Learning and Development Manager

I am responsible for overseeing the delivery of the three new entry routes into policing all of which will result in a policing degree.  This is part of a wider policing professionalisation agenda and sparked a personal interest as I hadn’t the opportunity to achieve a degree during my earlier education.

I was fortunate to be made aware of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) and attended a taster day at South Devon College. 

This was an ideal opportunity to ask questions and deal with concerns mine in particular being could I achieve a degree part-time alongside my day job.

Having just submitted my first assignment I feel very motivated and I am learning something new – it’s certainly challenging but hugely rewarding.

Lucy - Senior Resourcing Officer

After I finished my A levels my family and I moved to Dorset from Leicester.

With no real transferrable skills I thought an apprenticeship would be an ideal way to meet new people and gain some experience.

The force supported me to complete a Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration. By the time I had completed my level 3 I had not only secured a permanent position but had also gone through another recruitment process which saw me promoted.

I have now been with the force for 5 years and have continued to progress through the organisation to my current role of Senior Resourcing Officer, People Department.

I have been lucky enough to be afforded an upskilling apprenticeship last year and have now started a Level 5 HR Support qualification. I attend college every week as part of a 20% off the job training whilst still being paid.

My experience with Dorset Police has been challenging at times but ultimately rewarding.

I have met some incredible people who have inspired and supported me.

I now have the transferable skills I lacked as well as recognised qualifications.

Chris - Workforce Planning Officer

I attended one of Weymouth Colleges Apprenticeship Information Events and was advised of opportunities that were available within Dorset Police. I was interested in beginning a career whilst earning nationally recognised qualifications. I submitted an application to Dorset Police for a fixed term apprentice. I was successful at interview and was employed as an Apprentice in the Volunteer Support Team where I dealt with day to day administration for the Special Constabulary whilst completing a Level 2 NVQ in Business and Administration.

I was fortunate enough to be extended within my post and was supported to further my education by completing a Level 3 NVQ course after successfully completing Level 2. During my Level 3 course I was able to secure a salaried post at Dorset Police as an Organisational Development Support Officer.

Weymouth College and Dorset Police continued to support my apprenticeship and I was able to complete my Level 3 course alongside my new role. Prior to me completing my apprenticeship, my post was made permanent within the organisation and I am now employed as full time member of Police Staff.

Since completing my apprenticeship I have been successful in achieving two secondments to higher graded roles within Dorset Police.

I am now continuing my development by completing a Level 5 course in Human Resource Management.