After its successful introduction in 2017, Wiltshire Police is pleased to have run the World of Work (WoW), work experience scheme over recent weeks in Swindon, Salisbury and Melksham. The Force opened its doors to Key Stage 4 students for a week of activities designed to give a taste of what it’s like to work for the police service.
Each day working in the police service brings new, interesting challenges and opportunities. Students learnt that there is more to keeping Wiltshire and Swindon’s communities safe than wearing a uniform and patrolling the streets.
WoW covers a broad spectrum of roles within Wiltshire Police and participants in the scheme gained a better understanding of the different career opportunities that the police service offers. From constables and detectives to mechanics, managers and more; there are roles to suit a variety of skill sets.
Sgt Steve McGlynn, The Lead for Youth Engagement said: “Due to the nature of modern day policing it is not possible to have students work alongside front line officers or officers in support roles dealing with members of the public or sensitive issues.
“WoW was developed last year to give a wide perspective of Wiltshire Police and the variety of roles within the Force.
“It’s fantastic to see the attendance numbers grow from forty young people in 2017 to sixty-eight this year.
“Young people were given scenarios delivered through video and asked to investigate the crime through to interview, court and sentencing. They used their own pocket note book to record their findings.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson said: “I am delighted to see the success of the World of Work Scheme in its second year.
“I welcome young people to see that the police service needs to be made up of a wide range of people, each bringing ideas and perspectives that will shape the way it represents and serves communities.
“Whether a person pursues education through university or they feel more suited to learning through doing a job, there are plenty of career opportunities within the police.
“Each police employee makes a valuable contribution to the community, whether on the streets in a uniform, in a workshop in overalls or at a desk in an office. It’s an incredibly worthwhile career choice and I’d urge young people to take this opportunity to learn more about it.”
Young people in attendance said, “This was the best week of my life!”
“I now have a good understanding on how the Police operate; giving me the confidence to apply when my studies are complete.”
“I really enjoyed seeing Custody, but I never want to see it again for obvious reasons!”
If you’re currently in Key Stage 4 and want to learn more about careers in the police service, you could be exactly who we’re looking for to join the World of Work. Opportunities to take part in next year’s World of Work are advertised on the Wiltshire Police website and we will be accepting applications from September.
