Applications to earn while you learn with Lancashire Police have gone live – and you might be surprised to know what the main qualifications are and how easy it is to apply.

If you’re a good communicator and co-ordinator with a caring nature, you've already ticked three of the main boxes to fit the bill for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme.

Plus the application form is no longer a full competency-based question style, only basic personal information is required. Therefore it should only take around 10 minutes to apply for a progressive and respected role that could change your life and allow you to change the lives of others.

As an officer for Lancashire Police you will make a difference every day by protecting the public and the most vulnerable and helping to put criminals behind bars. You will also be supported to complete a fully paid-for BSc Degree in Professional Policing Practice whilst training on the job.

Before joining Lancashire Police, Umar worked in a solicitor’s firm. He had previously served as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for the force, therefore already had an idea of what being an officer would involve, so he jumped at the first opportunity to apply.

He said: “The best part of the job is the variety of people I meet daily, both members of the public and the constabulary. I am quite a pro-active person and prefer to keep busy, out and about in the community and talking to people. This is where really great communication skills are needed.

“My family and friends are all very proud of my role as a police officer. They know how much I enjoy helping people in need and it is great that I get to make an impact on people’s lives.”

This is the last chance to join the PCDA entry route as part of the national police uplift programme to recruit 20,000 officers by 2023, and Lancashire’s Chief Constable Chris Rowley has urged people from all walks of life to consider applying:

“At Lancashire Police we are committed to delivering a first-class service to our communities and putting victims at the heart of everything we do. The PCDA is for people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures who want to make a difference by working for one of the highest performing, most diverse and inclusive forces in the country.”

The starting salary for the PCDA, run in conjunction with UCLan, is £24,780, with annual pay rises and university fees paid by the constabulary. Recruits need level 2 qualifications in English and Maths and a level 3 qualification.

Applications open Wednesday 27th July and close on Thursday 11th August. Search Lancashire police careers to apply.

Lancashire Constabulary offers support (Positive Action) for underrepresented groups (black and minority ethnicities) by providing advice and guidance before and during the selection process. Contact workforcerepteam@lancashire.police.uk for further information.