Police Constable Entry Programme-Experience Route

Avon and Somerset Police; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Light Card

LGPS Pension

Fully funded Level 5 Diploma

Job summary

Avon and Somerset Police invite applicants to join the Police Constable Entry Programme as entry-route PCDA. Over two years you train and work as an operational officer, combining frontline policing with an academic Level 5 diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

Salary starts at £31,164 and rises during training to £32,472 on completion. The programme runs forcewide in the Avon and Somerset area, with a 40-hour week and supportive Learning Team involvement at the University of the West of

Qualifications

• Demonstrate transferable skills such as problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergencies and support communities.
• Work with colleagues to keep people safe and build trust.
• Provide care and information to victims of crime and the public.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Empathy

Education

GCSE Maths & English (grade C/4)

Job description

Police Constable Entry Programme-Experience Route

Role type

Police Officer (PCDA)

Contract duration

Permanent

Contract type

Full Time

Department

Patrol

Location

Forcewide- Avon and Somerset area

Grade/scale

PC

Salary

£32,256 - £52,014

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

Hours per week

40

Competency and value framework (CVF) level?

1

Closing date

23/10/2026, 09:00

Job description

This is a new entry route offering applicants the opportunity to become a police officer by drawing on their knowledge and skills gained through work, personal, or social settings.

We're seeking individuals who want a meaningful career-one that makes a real impact, changes lives, and strengthens communities.

Avon and Somerset Police are inviting driven, compassionate individuals to join our Patrol teams as Police Constables through our Police Constable Entry Programme!

You will need to hold a level 2 (GCSE or functional skills) Maths and English Language at grade C/4 (pass) or above and be able to demonstrate transferable skills such problem solving, communication and team work by answering a few application questions.

About the Role

As a Police Officer, you'll step into a world where every day is different. You'll be the first to respond to emergencies, offering vital support to those in need and working to keep our communities safe. This role requires courage, empathy and a deep commitment to serving others, often during the most challenging times of their lives.

Whether you're exploring a new career path or bringing experience from a public-facing role, if you have compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills, we want to hear from you!

This role is all about people: listening, understanding, and providing the reassurance that truly makes a difference.

Your Career Journey

This isn't just a job-it's a life-changing experience. Over two years, you'll combine hands-on police work with academic study, earning a fully-funded level 5 in Professional Policing Practice. And yes, you'll be paid while you train, starting on a salary of £31,164, which increases to £32,472 once you complete your initial training. In your third year, you will be required to complete and achieve a set of organisational objectives.

Your first 12 weeks will focus on professional training with our Learning Team and the University of the West of England. From there, you'll join the Patrol team as an operational officer, stepping into the heart of frontline policing.

What You'll Do

• Respond to a range of incidents, from road traffic collisions to antisocial behaviour, with professionalism and composure.
• Support victims of crime with empathy and compassion.
• Collaborate with skilled colleagues committed to creating safer communities.
• Engage with people from all walks of life, building trust and making a real impact.

Why Join Us?

When you join Avon and Somerset Police, you're not just starting a career - you're joining a community of passionate, dedicated professionals. Here's what makes this role unique:

• Earn While You Learn: Our Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) offers a fully-funded Level 5 diploma in Professional Policing Practice, all while earning a competitive salary.
• An Inclusive Team Culture: You'll work alongside diverse and supportive colleagues who will support you in reaching your full potential. The team you join values inclusivity and welcomes you to bring your authentic self to work every day.
• Excellent Benefits: Beyond the rewarding nature of police work, you'll have access to the Police Pension Scheme, employee assistance programs for your wellbeing, shift allowances, and more.
• Supportive Community: We understand the demands of police work, which is why we prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing. You'll have access to mentoring programs, wellbeing initiatives, and continuous development opportunities to ensure you're supported every step of the way.
• Career Development and Progression: We're invested in your growth. Whether you want to specialise in areas like criminal investigation, public protection, or community engagement or aspire to leadership roles, we'll provide the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
• Engage with the Community: As a Police Constable, you'll connect with people from diverse backgrounds, building trust and creating positive change. Every day brings new experiences and the chance to make a meaningful difference.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy discounts on high‑street brands, travel, and leisure activities with the Blue Light Card, and benefit from student perks as a full‑time learner.
• Attractive Pension Scheme- https://www.peninsulapensions.org.uk/members/police/ -Your security. Your future. Your pension.

Be the Difference You Want to See

Avon and Somerset Police is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, including individuals from ethnic and religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities or those who are neurodiverse, people from various socioeconomic backgrounds, and women. If you have a neurodiverse condition or a disability, let us know; we're here to provide reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of what we do, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can bring their whole, authentic self. Our staff associations offer guidance and support for officers and staff from all backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels valued. Additionally, our Positive Action and Talent Team offers dedicated assistance throughout the recruitment process, career development, and progression, that this is positive action for Under represented groups- When completing your application on our recruitment system, you can tick a box if you would like our Outreach Team to contact you to provide guidance and support.

If you'd like more support, you can reach out to our team at [e-mail]

Throughout the application process you may see reference to Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), however please be reassured that this a PCEP entry route.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

This is a competitive process, so apply early to avoid disappointment.

If selected, you will be invited to attend a compulsory familiarisation event ( date to be confirmed) at Portishead Headquarters where you will learn more about the role, assessment and recruitment process.

About us

Pension Benefit

A pension that grows with you, whatever stage you're at

Alongside your salary, you'll be enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), administered by Peninsula Pensions. This is a high-quality defined benefit pension, providing a secure, inflation-linked income for life, based on your earnings and length of service.

If you're early in your career, it's a valuable way to start building long-term financial security from day one, with employer contributions that significantly boost the value of every pound you pay in.

If you're more experienced, the scheme offers a level of certainty and stability that is now rare, helping you plan confidently for the future with predictable retirement income and benefits for your dependants.

Find out more:

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset. We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

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Closing Date

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants)

• National Insurance Number
• Identification Detail e.g. passport
• Address information including proof
• Referee information
• Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained
• Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe of any visible tattoos you have

If the role requires you drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos.

Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants

The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.

Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save.

If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission.