Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) - Recruiting now
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is a tremendously powerful force for good in our communities. We’re an organisation that comprises a great number of officers and staff who are committed, professional, compassionate and courageous, who do things every single day that most either could not, or would not do.
We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to improve performance and rapidly move GMP into a place where it is objectively recognised as a force that does the basics brilliantly.
With a new Chief Constable; strengthened executive leadership; clear direction and a renewed commitment to giving everything we can to improving services to our communities, there has never been a better time to join Greater Manchester Police.
This is an incredible opportunity for ambitious people, who are passionate about delivering the highest quality policing, to really make a difference to communities who deserve the best. People who can thrive on a challenge; People who will be enthused by a busy and varied workload; People who engage, inspire and care for those they lead and those they serve; People who want the most challenging, interesting and rewarding policing careers in the UK.
Greater Manchester Police also champions diversity in our workforce. Applications from those in underrepresented groups or that speak a second language are welcomed so that we better reflect the communities we serve.
Working for Greater Manchester Police offers some of the most challenging, interesting and rewarding policing careers in the UK. If you have the skills and experience required, and are interested in developing your career in a Police Force that is committed to recognising and valuing its workforce and providing high levels of job satisfaction, what are you waiting for? Apply now.
You don't need a degree to join. With the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) you can earn and learn on the job, earning a degree in Professional Policing Practice by the end of the programme.
Our PCDA pathway, fully funded by the GMP, recognises policing as a degree-level profession. The PCDA is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored to help you start your career in policing.
From day one you’ll be employed as a police officer spending most of your time on the frontline working alongside your team, turning your learning into practical experience.
We are proud to be partnered with the University of Salford and UCLan who are delivering this programme along side Greater Manchester Police.
It is a three-year apprenticeship programme for non-degree holders resulting in a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice.
Recruitment to the apprenticeship requires three elements to be completed;
1) To meet the academic requirements of this programme, apprentices must have level 2 GCSE grade C (4-6) or above in both Mathematics and English or equivalent e.g. or Functional Skills Level 2 or Adult Numeracy.
2) Recruitment to GMP is subject to successful completion of the National Assessment Centre process alongside specific GMP requirements
3) You will need a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points which is the equivalent to the following achievements
- A Levels with grades - CCC or equivalent
- Pearson’s BTEC National Extended Diploma - MMM
- Access to HE Diploma - Pass
If you do not possess these qualifications you may still be suitable for entry providing you meet the level 2 criteria above and can demonstrate Accreditation of Prior learning (APL).
This would be candidates that can evidence any learning and development within the last 5 years. For example applicants who may not have the traditional entry criteria but do have relevant certified evidence and/or experience drawn from life / work and who demonstrate the ability to pursue the programme successfully.
Part of the process for candidates that apply via this route will be a formal assessment by the University to assess suitability for the course by considering candidates Accreditation of Prior learning (APL) and relevant experience.
Other requirements
- Fitness: We also want to make you aware at this early stage of the requirements for the fitness test. This is a test of endurance whereby you will you will be asked to run along a 15 metre track in time with a series of bleeps, which become increasingly faster to level 5.4.
- Age: Candidates aged 17 and above may apply to become a police officer and if successful may take up appointment once they reach the age of 18.
- Tattoos: Certain tattoos may exclude you from employment with GMP, this depends on where they are on your body and what they may depict.
- Convictions and Cautions: If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you may still apply, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.
- Membership of groups and organisations: You will not be able to join GMP if you are a member of a group and/or organisation that contradicts our values or ethics and our commitment to inclusion.
- Previous applications: You must not have had a Police Officer application rejected by ourselves, or another Force in the last 3 months to apply to GMP.
Greater Manchester Police is committed to recruiting from under-represented communities as we believe a more diverse workforce will allow us to become more effective to fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe and care for victims.
We are holding regular careers information sessions for individuals who are currently under-represented in the Greater Manchester Police.
The information session will be run by Greater Manchester Police’s Positive Action Team who support candidates that belong to an under-represented group. If you wish to attend a session or require further information, please contact the Positive Action Team at [email protected] prior to completing your application form, the team will then arrange an on-line session.
We aim to provide the best guidance and support to potential future applicants.
The on-line sessions are an opportunity for you to get answers to any questions you may have from officers and staff, whilst you are still considering a career with the police.
Greater Manchester is one of the largest policing areas within England and Wales covering an area of nearly 500 square miles. It is home to approximately 2.8 million people, forming 1.2 million households. This makes Greater Manchester the second largest city region in the UK and home to almost 5% of the UK population.
While the region has some rural and remote areas, it is a predominantly urban conurbation that comprises the two cities of Manchester and Salford, surrounded by eight large metropolitan areas which are: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan.
Although a single functioning economic area, one of the hallmarks of Greater Manchester is its great variety and diversity: whether in its people (its residents, student populations, those who travel in for work, and those who choose to visit); or its places (its neighbourhoods, town centres, amenities, cultural attractions and green spaces).