Description Role: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) Location: South Yorkshire Police Salary: £29,907 Hours: 40 per week Be the future of South Yorkshire Police Being a police constable is not just a job. It’s a career. South Yorkshire Police is recruiting for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) with projected start dates from November 2025 onwards. Becoming a police constable is a career like no other. Not only will you be taking on challenges that will change your life, but you’ll be working to protect the people and communities of South Yorkshire. This is a career where you’ll travel between urban cities and rural towns, meeting people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a sixth form or college leaver, a supermarket worker or ex-military, we know that you’ll have plenty of transferable skills which you can bring to a career with the police. Things like following processes, social and emotional intelligence, conversational skills and the ability to diffuse a situation are all skills we search for in our candidates. If you have the relevant experience and strengths, all you have to do is apply. Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) South Yorkshire Police is offering a three-year apprenticeship in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University. The apprenticeship will combine the opportunity to work and learn the role of a front-line officer whilst gaining a Degree in Professional Policing Practice. To be eligible for this apprenticeship you must meet at least one of the following entry qualification criteria: Have achieved a standard of education equivalent to a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points (or a full level 4 or 5 qualification) – these points could be from your A Levels or Level 3 Diplomas. Please check your UCAS points here; https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator Please note : You must already have your qualification to be able to apply in this campaign. If you are currently studying towards your qualification and are due to complete your studies by August 2025, you will be able to apply in the next recruitment campaign which is scheduled to be in May 2025. Have achieved an academic or vocational qualification gained outside England and Wales, which is considered by the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to be a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points. Have experience as a PCSO, Special Constable, Call Handler (within a Police Force) or Investigation Officer within the last 3 years or Have served in the military, armed forces and have successfully completed the minimum term of service (usually 4 years) and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge. You will be asked to complete a 750-word academic assessment exercise during the recruitment process. Applicants who don’t hold 80 UCAS points would not usually be accepted onto the course. However, there may be times when other equivalent qualifications may be considered and extensive relevant work experience may be considered, such applications are assessed individually and will be required to undertake a 750-word academic assessment. Relevant work experience could come from a wide variety of professions both public and private sector and could include transferable experience and skills for example: where you have to demonstrate an ability to solve problems or make informed decisions, research, retain and convey complex information, managed a varied workload or projects, worked under pressure or to tight time scales. You will need to provide proof of your UCAS points with your initial application to South Yorkshire Police. Your application will not be assessed by Sheffield Hallam University without them. Maths and English: As you are joining an apprenticeship you will be required to provide proof of Level 2 Maths and English. The qualifications acceptable are: GCSE or iGCSE at grade C/level 4 or above Functional Skills Level 2 Key Skills Level 2 If you cannot provide proof of your qualification within the first 12 weeks of your course, you will be enrolled onto functional skills to complete further study. Functional skills have to be completed within six months after enrolment. If you hold a degree or are currently studying for one you will need to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme. Please visit our website to find out more about this entry route. Eligibility: On application all applicants: Must be 17 or above at the time of application, however you will need to be 18 before appointment. Have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application. Must be either a British citizen, a citizen of the EU or other states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Ideally, you will hold a full manual driving licence, applications will be accepted if you don't have a full manual driving licence, however you will be expected to have taken and passed your test by 28th May 2025. Must not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms or face that could be offensive. Any visible tattoos will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Cannot be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group. For further information, please visit our eligibility criteria & FAQ’s pages. Joining the police force is a life choice. There will be a lot expected of you, especially when it comes to working nights and unsociable hours, but no day is the same. This is a career that will keep you on your toes; it is a challenge, but the reward is immense. What we offer: Starting salary of £29,907 rising year on year to £48,231 Adjustment grant for applicants who can demonstrate a reduction in salary on starting with the force Annual leave of 22 days increasing with length of service plus bank holidays Access to a generous pension scheme Ongoing training and development opportunities leading to rank progression, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and beyond. Employee assistance service (accessible 24/7) covering a wide range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle issues Support and advice from our Occupational Health Unit Access to established staff support groups For further information, please visit our ‘what we offer’ page. Recruitment Timeline: Please make sure you are available for dates within all stages of the recruitment process as alternatives may not be able to be accommodated. Dates are subject to change. National Sift: 18 th – 25 th March 2025 National Assessment Centre: 30 th April – 7 th May 2025 Force Interview: 9 th – 27 th June 2025 Contact: For further information about the role or for any queries, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on policerecruitsouthyorks.pnn.police.uk Diversity & Inclusion: We are an organisation that welcome, support and value those from underrepresented communities. From difference comes invaluable life experiences, ideas and ways of thinking – and by encouraging individuality we are working towards serving our communities and understanding our public better. Please visit our diversity and inclusion page to find out more: Positive Action - Join SYP - SYP (southyorkshire.police.uk) Support from Sheffield Hallam University: Sheffield Hallam University are currently offering support with your application to the PCDA apprenticeship vacancies with South Yorkshire Police. As part of our commitment to equality we are working to provide equal opportunity for everyone applying for Degree Apprenticeships. To apply for support, please complete the SHU PCDA Application support request Apply for the role: To apply for the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button. Documents: You must upload the following documents with your application, otherwise your application will not be assessed. Driving licence (a copy of both the front and back is required) Tattoos (only if visible) Qualifications (certificates of level 3 qualifications or above only – no GCSE certificates are required). Supporting evidence (if applicable i.e., military certificate of service) You will also be required to send a copy of your certificates to Sheffield Hallam University once all documents have been received and your application has been assessed by South Yorkshire Police. Closing Date: 28 th February 2025 Information Events: We are holding 2 online events to provide information on the recruitment process and the PCDA training course. If you wish to attend, please click here to register. Please note that both events are the same, you only need to attend one. Documents to Review: For the Police Officer Recruitment Vetting Handbook - Please Click here For Application Guidance and Tips - Please Click Here For the FIT Values of South Yorkshire Police - Please Click Here