Year 12 Students Benefit from Insightful Careers Talk by the Metropolitan Police
St Mary’s has always placed a strong emphasis on preparing students for their future through comprehensive careers education. As part of this commitment, our Year 12 students recently had the invaluable opportunity to attend a careers talk delivered by representatives from the Metropolitan Police. This session was not just an overview of police work; it provided an in-depth look into the varied and dynamic roles within the police force and highlighted the exciting Police Degree Apprenticeship programme.
The Met Police careers talk aimed to enlighten students on what it truly means to serve as a police officer. While many people may envision the role as limited to patrolling the streets or responding to incidents, the officers emphasised the vast array of specialisations within the force. These include roles in cybercrime units, counter-terrorism, community engagement, detective work, and more. Each of these roles requires unique skills and offers opportunities for officers to develop professionally while contributing meaningfully to public safety and community wellbeing.
A focal point of the discussion was the Police Degree Apprenticeship—a route that combines practical on-the-job training with academic study. This programme allows aspiring officers to earn a degree while working within the force, eliminating the need for traditional university study prior to entering the field. The apprenticeship typically spans three years, during which recruits alternate between frontline duties and structured learning. Apprentices are paid while training and receive comprehensive support to develop essential policing skills and theoretical knowledge, covering topics such as criminal law, public protection, and investigative techniques. Upon successful completion, participants graduate with both valuable work experience and an official degree, positioning them as qualified police constables ready to take on diverse challenges.
Highlighting initiatives such as the Police Degree Apprenticeship is critical for broadening our students’ perspectives on career pathways. Careers talks involving industry professionals help demystify job roles, break down stereotypes, and present practical pathways that students might not have considered. This approach not only inspires but equips students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their future.
At St Mary’s, we firmly believe that careers education is a cornerstone of student development. Engaging with employers through talks, workshops, and interactive sessions is a vital aspect of our careers programme, designed to prepare students for both the professional world and higher education. The visit from the Metropolitan Police is just one example of how we strive to offer real-world insights and encourage students to explore diverse career options.
By showcasing opportunities such as the Police Degree Apprenticeship, we continue to open doors for our students, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue fulfilling and impactful career paths.
