A care home worker, bar manager and army vehicle mechanic are among Cambridgeshire’s latest 20 police recruits to graduate from the force's degree apprenticeship programme.
The recruits on the programme will study for a degree, earning while they learn, with no tuition fees or student debt.
It is a three-year apprenticeship involving a combination of in-class learning and on-the-job experience.
The new officers were welcomed to the force on March 2 by Chief Constable Nick Dean, Deputy Chief Constable Jane Gyford, and Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston.
Addressing the new recruits, Mr Dean said: “You are now beginning a unique career in policing, one which is exciting, varied, ever more complex and challenging but equally a career that presents itself with huge opportunities.
“Opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The new recruits’ graduation comes as the force remains on track to hit its targets under the national 20,000 uplift by the end of next month and the number of police officers in Cambridgeshire is at an all-time high of just over 1,700.
The force continues to seek applications for the apprenticeship, along with the other entry routes available.
There is also the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) for those who already hold a degree.
It is a two-year programme which allows for a conversion of a degree to a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
The force continues to run the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP+), a well-established programme which takes two years to complete.
For more information visit: https://www.cambs.police.uk/police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/careers/careers/police-officers/the-role-of-a-police-officer/
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