A POLICING apprenticeship is being launched at Leeds Trinity University.

Recruitment is now open to join West Yorkshire Police, and for the first time officers will study towards a three-year degree at Leeds Trinity as part of their training.

The university fees will be paid for by the police force and trainees will receive a wage.

The application process started on Friday, September 13 and will stay open until 11.55pm on Monday, September 23. Applications can be made on the West Yorkshire Police website.

University Vice-chancellor Professor Margaret A House said: “We are proud to be working with West Yorkshire Police, particularly during such an exciting time for the force, in training the next generation of police constables. Our programme of policing has been designed with senior police officers to be relevant, inspiring and impactful, and will be delivered by lecturers with experience working in the force and security services across the country.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the first ever West Yorkshire Police degree apprentices next July and encourage anyone thinking about a career in the force to apply.”

Angela Williams, Assistant Chief Constable at West Yorkshire Police, said: “The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’, and will teach you how to deal with increasingly sophisticated crime. As you work through your apprenticeship, you can look to focus in areas such as being a detective, becoming a valued member of our roads policing unit, or becoming a familiar face in the community as a specialist in our neighbourhood policing teams.

“We are looking for a diverse group of people, who can make a real difference in West Yorkshire and become positive role models in our society.

The starting salary for apprentices is £20,879, which will increase to a minimum of £26,000 after the three-year training has been completed.