Students with their sights set on a career in the police service could soon be able to pick up the skills of their future trade.

Redcar and Cleveland College has announced the introduction of a full-time policing course starting this September.

The two year programme will offer school leavers the chance to build the knowledge and skills required to become a police officer.

One of just a handful of colleges across the region to offer the dedicated pathway, course leader Mark Watts said: “We are excited to be able to bring this opportunity to Redcar and Cleveland. For those with ambitions to join the police it is a chance to prepare themselves for the real demands of the service.”

The full-time programme will run alongside the college’s Public Services courses which offer routeways into a range of uniformed services such as the armed forces, the fire and prison service.

Mark said: “By offering a policing pathway we can equip those students who know they want to work in the police with the very specific skills most needed.”

The two-year Level 3 Extended Diploma will cover subjects including preparing for a career in the police, leadership, conflict management and teamwork along with optional units such as neighbourhood policing and crime scene investigation.

It will also offer students the chance to develop their physical fitness and get the qualification they need to move on to a university degree in policing.

Mark said: “Like the public services course this is a very practical course that will help students to develop transferable skills that will help in all aspects of their life. We want to see our students progress to employment or further study and all of the skills learnt through the course will help towards the entry qualifications and requirements of the police service.”

To find out more visit: https://www.cleveland.ac.uk/fulltime/policing/