Students praised for police work experience success

Students from across Staffordshire have been praised for their enthusiasm after completing a work experience programme within the force.

Our Work Experience Insights Programme, which ran throughout June this year, saw a total of 68 young people get involved in a number of specialist policing functions, from dog support, armed policing, forensics, roads policing, economic crime and our contact centre.

The programme was a week-long and tailored to the ages of the students involved across two cohorts; one aged 14 to 16, and another aged 16 to 19.

Each cohort engaged in a number of presentations, demonstrations and practical activities, to enable them to better understand how different teams work together within policing to help keep our communities safe.

One student, who took part, said: “I loved how officers and staff would actively engage us through different activities, so that we weren’t just in a classroom, but were able to go outside and visit other places.

“They also had such good personalities; it didn’t feel like a teacher just talking at me the whole time, which made it easier for me to listen to them!

“I really enjoyed hearing directly from the officers themselves, as they were able to talk about their experiences which gave a realistic insight, and I learned so much about so many other roles that I had never considered before.”

Acting Chief Constable, Becky Riggs, said: “The feedback from the students really shows the value of this programme in supporting career development, broadening aspirations and encouraging young people to consider the wide range of opportunities that policing can offer, creating life-long positive memories for those involved.

“Not only this, but the programme has continued to strengthen our links with local schools and colleges, while providing young people with a greater understanding of the many rewarding roles available within policing.

“The students have shown themselves to be highly interested, enthusiastic and talented individuals, and we hope that many of them will consider Staffordshire Police as an employer of choice, where they will be valued, listened to and supported to be the best they can be.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: “This programme is a great way for young people to gain a valuable experience of the range of roles available within today’s police service.

“It also gives them an opportunity to talk to the officers and staff performing those roles, and decide if policing is a career they themselves might pursue in the future.”

For more information on the programme or careers in Staffordshire Police, visit: Home | Staffordshire Police.

Information on the Work Insights Programme, including on how to apply, see: Work Experience Insights Programme | Staffordshire Police.