Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) 2026

Warwickshire Police; Warwick; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force in England is seeking Student Police Officers through their Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme. This opportunity allows you to earn while learning, providing hands-on policing experience while working towards a recognized degree. Successful candidates will engage in assessments, fitness tests, and pre-employment checks. A full UK driving licence and relevant qualifications are essential for this role.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

Support for personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Must have a full UK driving licence.
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English required.
• A Level 3 qualification with necessary UCAS points needed.

Responsibilities

• Join the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme.
• Gain hands-on experience while studying for a nationally recognized degree.
• Support and collaborate with team members in a friendly culture.

Education

Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English

A Level 3 qualification with at least 64 UCAS points

Job description

Overview

15 realistic policing scenarios where you'll assess the effectiveness of possible responses.

Assessments and process

Behavioural Style Questionnaire (BSQ) and 80 statements designed to help us understand your natural behaviours and working style. You’ll have 7 days to complete both assessments, at any time of day that suits you. The process is user-friendly, requires only a short registration, and is compatible with text-to-speech software and accessibility tools. Reasonable adjustments: the national sift is not timed, therefore no reasonable adjustments are required. It is automatically compatible with text-to-speech software, background colour changes, and coloured overlays. If you are unsuccessful you will be provided with feedback and will be eligible to re-apply after three months; however, you are only able to complete the national sift twice within a rolling 12-month period. If successful at the national sift you would then be required to complete an assessment centre, which you would be booked onto and have a week to complete. The assessment centre is designed to measure the behaviours and values required for the role of police constable as set out in the Competency and Values Framework (CVF). You can find out more about the CVF here: Competency and values framework (CVF) College of Policing. If you are successful at the above stages you will then move to pre-employment checks which include references, vetting, fitness test and medical. Please see the below link for fitness test guidance from the College of Policing.

PCDA programme eligibility and benefits

As a Student Police Officer on our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme, you will earn while you learn – gaining hands-on experience, developing vital skills, and working towards a nationally recognised degree in Professional Policing Practice. All while receiving a competitive starting salary.

• A full UK driving licence
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English (e.g., GCSE Grade A-C / 9-4, or Functional Skills)
• A Level 3 qualification with at least 64 UCAS points – if you are applying with predicted UCAS points, these need to be at least 84 UCAS points.
• Not sure how many points you have? You can check using the UCAS Tariff Calculator on the UCAS website.

At Warwickshire Police, you\'ll join a force with a strong family ethos – where teams work closely together, support each other, and where you\'ll be treated as a valued member from day one. We\'re proud of our friendly culture and commitment to personal and professional development.