Megan Wilson, Business Admin Apprentice with the Greater Manchester Police, tells us about her apprenticeship experience in this case study.
What led you to enrol on an apprenticeship?
Whilst studying for my A levels at College I knew I wanted to apply for an apprenticeship rather than going to University; the idea of learning and gaining experience without a huge debt really appealed to me. I had worked part time whist studying and really enjoyed the experience and work ethic and was keen to continue working whilst learning at the same time. I had always wanted to pursue a career with the Police and was very excited when I realised I could apply for an apprenticeship for my dream job.
What does your role as an apprentice entail?
My trainer visits me regularly and helps and supports me with my qualification. Following the recruitment process I was placed within the Sex Offender Management Unit with Greater Manchester Police. I work alongside Operational Support Officers, Probation Officers, Police Constables, Detective Sergeants and Detective Inspectors supporting them within the office. My role includes retrieving and inputting intelligence, arranging and coordinating meetings, monitoring offenders and receiving and making calls. I have been made to feel very welcome and part of a team. My roles and responsibilities are the same as my colleagues who are not undertaking an apprenticeship and I have learnt so much from them.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?
I have enjoyed being part of a team and learning about the different roles and opportunities within Greater Manchester Police. I think it is amazing that I am able to study and gain a qualification whilst doing what I love every day and gaining a greater knowledge into policing. I was offered the most amazing opportunity to work for the Police and can easily say I have 0 regrets in the path I took and am now looking forward to an amazing career.
What has been a personal highlight of your apprenticeship?
I made the decision early into my apprenticeship to try and complete the work as quickly as possible and to the best of my ability. I was aware that once I had completed this I would have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role. The highlight of my apprenticeship was being successful at securing a permanent job as a Custody Detention Officer with Greater Manchester Police. I am so proud of myself and could not have done it without the the help and support from my Damar trainer, my Sergeant and colleagues within the Police who I have learnt so much from.
Have you got any advice for school leavers looking for the right career path?
Whilst I was at College the teachers tried to make me feel like going to University was the only option and often said I would never get a job with the Police without having a degree.
I knew that University wasn’t for me and don’t know what I would have studied if I had gone. I looked into other options and found that I could apply for an apprenticeship in so many different career choices, including with the Police.
This is the best thing I have ever done; I have no debt from my learning and have gained valuable work experience at the same time.
I am so excited to start my new job and am looking forward to an exciting career with Greater Manchester Police.
My advice to anyone looking for the right career path is to consider all your options. University is not the only option and an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain valuable experience. Once you have your foot in the door, the opportunities are endless!