Apprenticeships

TVP values apprenticeships and the opportunity to earn whilst you learn; from front line officer roles and Call Handlers to a variety of police staff positions.

Forget the stereotypes; apprenticeships offer new routes into policing for all, whether you’re a college leaver, career changer or returning to work after a break. Whatever your background, now is the perfect time to bring your valuable experience and skills to an organisation dedicated to building safer and stronger communities.

“Being able to start this apprenticeship in my 40’s has allowed me to change career without financial impact on my young family and allowed me to show my children that you’re never too old to learn something new.”

– Laura Lovekin, Trainee Contact Management Centre Officer


In the last few years, Thames Valley Police are proud winners of:

Top 100 Employer for Apprenticeships 2022

Protective Services Apprenticeship provider of the year

Protective Services Apprenticeship provider of the year 2022

WBTC Rising Stars - Large Employer Award 2020

The West Berkshire Training Consortium (WBTC) Rising Star & Employer Awards: Large Employer of the Year 2020

Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2020

Oxfordshire Learning & Enterprise Partnerships: Apprentice Employer of the Year 2020 (50+ employees)

Apprenticeships Regional Awards 2021: Regional Highly Commended Winner

Apprenticeships Regional Awards 2021: Regional Highly Commended Winner

Awards photo including PCSO Dayne Maddock, Chief Constable John Campbell, Lorna Starr (Contact Management)

Pictured in the photo, representing all our apprentices:
PCSO Dayne Maddock, Chief Constable John Campbell, Lorna Starr (Contact Management)

Apprenticeships Regional Awards 2021: Regional Highly Commended Winner - Macro Employer of the Year 2021

Pictured in the photo, receiving the award on behalf of our force:
Chief Constable John Campbell, Superintendent Emma Baillie – Head of Workforce Planning and Learning & Professional Development

Learn more about our awards from our article “Two apprenticeship awards for Thames Valley Police in 2020”.


Police Staff Apprenticeships

We are continuing to introduce new apprenticeships across Police Staff departments as we look to attract talent from all ages and backgrounds. The variety of opportunities available has never been greater; from Forensics to Finance, HR to Communications and Vehicle Technicians to ICT.

Visit our careers portal to view current vacancies.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

The PCDA is a three-year PC entry programme combining operational duties with academic learning, resulting in formal degree qualification.

To learn more about the PCDA, visit our Police Officer page.

Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship

Our recently launched PCSOA takes approximately 15 months, combining on-the-job practical and academic learning, resulting in the award of a formal level 4 qualification – Diploma in Community Policing Practice.

To learn more about the PCSOA, visit our PCSO page.

Contact Management Centre Officer Apprenticeship (999/101 Call Handler)

As a Trainee Contact Management Centre Officer, you’ll play a critical role in our response to emergencies. As part of your initial development, you will complete an Emergency Service Contact Handler Apprenticeship.

Visit the Contact Management page to learn more about this apprenticeship.

Hear from Kim & Lorna, two of our recent Contact Management apprentices about their experience.

Ryan Smith - ICT Application Support Apprentice

Ryan Smith – ICT Application Support Apprentice

Ryan completed a BTEC in Business & Management at college. He received University offers but opted to earn and learn with an apprenticeship and joined our ICT department in 2018 (a joint department covering Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary) working in Application Support. Day-to-day he helps resolve any software or app-based issues – apps that are critical to the smooth running of both forces. In working towards his Level 3 Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship, 20 percent of Ryan’s time is protected for further study and tutor contact.

Ryan recently joined officers from our Emergency Response Team on a ride-along which allowed him to see first-hand how the apps he services are used directly on the frontline helping keep the public safe.

“It’s been great to earn and learn simultaneously at TVP. Through conversations with peers in the private sector it’s been good to learn how competitive my salary is. In some cases I am paid more than those in the private sector doing a similar role.”