South Wales Police brings together thousands of people with the same aim – to keep South Wales safe.
We want to be the best at understanding and responding to our community’s needs. To do this we need the very best candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to become part of our policing family.
A career in policing demands skill, compassion, leadership, initiative, and a genuine desire to make a difference to society. We work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across an area of about 800 square miles from Swansea to Merthyr Tydfil to our capital city, Cardiff. It’s a job but where no two days are the same – and it offers a variety of fulfilling and exciting career.
The role can be challenging, and you will need to be resilient and resourceful, but we are here to support you. You will need to be committed to a journey that requires balancing academic requirements and a new role within a 24/7 policing service. It is a job like no other and we are looking for people with diverse skills and experiences to join our successful team.
There are now more options than ever to become a Police Officer in #TeamSWP:
Which route will you choose?
This is a 3‑year professional degree apprenticeship. Upon successful completion, you will achieve a Degree in Professional Policing Practice. This route means that you have the opportunity to earn while you learn and achieve a degree.
To apply for the PCDA, you must have achieved a Level 3 qualification (which is 2 A‑levels or equivalent). If you do not already possess a level 3 qualification, you will have an opportunity to undertake an online assessment in English and Maths, and if successful, you will progress to the next stage of the application process.
If successful in all stages of your application, you will commence to our PCDA route. As an Apprentice, you will need to have already achieved a GCSE Grade A‑C in Maths and English, or a Level 2 Equivalent. If you do not possess these qualifications, you will need to complete the Essential Skills qualification during your training to fulfil the requirement of the Apprenticeship Scheme. South Wales Police will meet all course fees relating to this entry route.
The Degree Holder Entry Programme is for those who already hold a degree in any subject area but want to join the force. This is a two‑year programme combining on‑the‑job practical learning and operational competence with academic learning. Upon completion, successful candidates will also achieve a Diploma in Professional Policing Practice. The force covers all course fees relating to this entry route.
Please note, it is now mandatory to have a full manual driving licence in order to be appointed.
Whichever route you choose, you will be expected to reach the same level of professional competence by the end of your probation period.
If successful in your application, you will receive the highest level of training and support and you can expect excellent career prospect and benefits.