Blackpool PC's Ellie and Katie talk about their training ahead of Lancashire Police recruiting more officers

The new scheme will see successful applicants undergo a structured development programme which will enable progression to the role of police officer while also studying for a degree.

Ahead of applications opening next month, two of Blackpool Police’s officers who have started the course have talked about their training and experiences so far.

PC Eleanor 'Ellie' Nyland and PC Katie Shaw started the course early last year just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prior to joining Ellie, 35, from Poulton, was a fitness instructor and had been living in the United Arab Emirates for seven years.

She said: "When I returned back to the UK, I was looking for a job that involved the fitness side of things but also I suppose an academic part and I was attracted to the actual job role because of the degree because it's something that I had always wanted to do, as well as the job itself

"When I first started it was prior to Covid-19 so we we're all based over at Hutton headquarters and it's very intense as there is a lot of knowledge to take on and a lot of legislation that you have to learn."

Prior to becoming an officer, Katie, 25, from Thornton was a PCSO from 19-years-old and she had always wanted to work in a police force

She said: "I did think it really helped when I joined as it sort of gives you an insight of what the role is going to be like and what skills and knowledge you will need.

"When I was in school it was something that I always considered so I went to college and did law and then joined as a PC so I do think it was a good stepping stone into the role."

When the pandemic hit the UK in March, all training was moved to online and the working from home.

Ellie said: "It was quite difficult to get used to after working with your colleagues at Hutton however everybody just got on with it and we worked as a team, we supported each other and we had private groups where we would meet for revision in the evenings.

Katie added: "Training like Ellie said was very intense. Don't get me wrong it's very hard and challenging but it's also really rewarding. It was hard because of Covid but during those classroom breaks we managed to come out and work on shift so it was really interesting to actually start your career during a world pandemic and seeing those challenges and getting through that."

Despite being in their roles for only around a year, both Ellie and Katie have had memorable moments.

Ellie said: "One of the best things is getting on to the divisional log which is when you've done something outstanding or you've caught a wanted criminal and there was a particular gentleman that was wanted and whilst I was in training I ended up arresting him so I made it onto the divisional log so you get seen by the chief inspectors which gives you a boost."

Katie added: "I think the happiest part was actually when I went independent. For me I do struggle with self confidence and you think you have moments where it's 'can I do this?' because there's so much to learn and know and you want to know it all at once when you first start and it's just impossible.

"You do so many weeks in the classroom and so many weeks with a tutor, so that day when you get signed off and somebody tells you your ready to do this on your own it's quite a rewarding moment to think all those hard working weeks have paid off. I started during February and it wasn't until October I could go out on my own and it's daunting but having somebody there to say you can do it I think for me that was the boost that I needed after so many hard weeks.

Both officers also gave advice to anyone who was thinking of joining the route that they did.

Ellie said: "I'm a lot older than my colleagues and a single mother and I would say no matter your situation don't let it put you off joining.

"It's probably one of the most supportive companies I've ever worked for and I've had a lot of personal stuff going on at home since I've joined the job and the support that I've had, not only from the trainers at Hutton to coming out to division to my colleagues, everybody has been that exceptional so I would say that's a real plus point for joining.

Katie said: "Even if you struggled with confidence like me but it's something you've always wanted to do, just push yourself out of your comfort zone and go for it because it's really challenging but it's really rewarding at the same time.

"Like Ellie said it's a really supportive organisation so you do have moments where you think 'oh gosh, I can't do this' but then you do have those rewarding moments that remind you why you joined the job. I'd just say go for it, you'll love it and enjoy it."

What is the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship?

The three-year apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to learn on-the-job while studying for a BSc in Professional Policing Practice with UCLan.

It combines studying with serving as a front line police officer at Lancashire Constabulary and the lucky applicants will study across several locations including Hutton Hall (Police Headquarters), UCLan in Preston and via online delivery, and will receive a starting salary of £24,780 with studying fees paid for by the force.

The course takes place in three blocks of learning throughout each year and involves classroom sessions, coursework and exams. When not in the classroom, the officers will be working on full operational duties putting the theory in to practice.

To apply, you will need Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above) plus at least 2 A-Level's or equivalent level 3 qualification before starting. Applicants can apply from the age of 17 as long as they are aged 18 upon appointment.

Applications open in early March at www.lancashire.police.uk where further details about the programme can be found.