Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Choosing to become a Police Officer is the start of a career you can be proud of. This three year work-based programme combines practical “on the job” training and academic learning, based on a national policing curriculum.

The training programme will begin with an initial 17-week period of class-room based learning at our Coach Lane campus focusing on areas including law & legislation, understanding police powers, and elements of effective communication. Following this, you’ll work alongside experienced officers as part of a shift in a response team. You’ll have a dedicated tutor to guide you through your first 12-15 weeks, who will help you build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support.

There are many opportunities to progress through the ranks and/or specialise in an area of policing that interests you after your probation. Whichever direction you decide to take your policing career, we will support you and help you to develop into the best officer you can be.

Upon successful completion of your probation period, you will have the opportunity to specialise, whether this be in a Neighbourhood Policing Team where a more collaborative community approach is required or as a detective, investigating more complex crime.

The detective role is varied and includes Major Crime Investigation (Homicide, & Cyber Crime), Intelligence (Priority & Organised Crime and Special Branch) and Safeguarding (Child Abuse/Protection of Vulnerable adults, Rape and Multi Agency Risk Assessment roles).

Other specialist roles could include:

Motor Patrols​, Firearms, Mounted, Marine, Airport Policing and Dog Handler.

Whilst undertaking classroom-based learning you will work Monday-Friday 9-5pm. When you are deployed in one of our area commands you will work a variety of shift patterns, day and night, in line with our 40 hours a week requirement.

No, the academic costs of this Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship are covered by Northumbria Police.

From day one, the starting salary for new officer is £28,551. Within 7 years you can earn £46,044. To find out more about the pay scales for police officers, visit the pay and benefits page.

The role of a police officer is a challenging one, and you can be dealing with many different scenarios and face many challenges on your journey with us. You will of course be given the support you need and there is always someone to seek advice from and to collaborate with.

We continue to invest in trained mental health first aiders onsite, an employee advice service offering 24/7 access to trained counsellors and a peer-led support programme as well as other holistic approaches to caring for your wellbeing.