CNC proud to announce brand new apprenticeship scheme for AFOs
The CNC is proud to announce during National Apprenticeship Week that apprenticeships are coming to the CNC.
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman meeting AFOs.
As a result of work with the Government Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships, the Non-Home Office Police Officer Apprenticeship (NHOPOA) officially launches next week. The CNC led a trailblazer group of our Non-Home Office partners to design a standard that suited the organisation’s specialised armed policing service. That standard is a level four (below degree level) in Protective Services and is available to all new police officer recruits joining our English sites*.
This exciting development will be delivered alongside the restructure of the Initial Foundation Programme, with courses due to be offered at all three training centres (Bisley in Surrey, Griffin Park in Cumbria and Dounreay in Scotland) and an enhanced new curriculum and delivery model. The NHOPOA will align the CNC to all the other police forces in the country by delivering a nationally recognised accreditation that is approved by the College of Policing.
As part of the change, the CNC will now fund and support apprentices to achieve GCSE A*-C or grade 4-9 in Maths and English if they do not already have these qualifications when they are recruited, working with the CNC’s partner training provider, who boasts an excellent track record.
Apprentices will be required to pass an End Point Assessment (EPA). This is independently conducted by an external organisation and will be their opportunity to demonstrate occupational competence through a practical scenario, multiple choice exam and professional discussion. The new Professional Development Units will play a big part in ensuring apprentices are well prepared for their EPA, supported by tutor constables and line management. When apprentices pass all elements of their EPA, they will achieve their accreditation and be recommended for confirmation in rank at the end of their two-year probation.
Ch Supt Sheree Owen, Training Divisional Commander, said “This investment in our people is a big step forward for the CNC.
“It continues to pursue the ethos of ‘By the CNC, for the CNC’ as it is the first new recruit training product designed specifically by us to meet our own requirements.”
*The CNC are working with the Scottish police College to develop an equal accreditation for Scottish-based officers.