A NEW graduate scheme for those wanting to kick-start their career in policing is opening. 

The route will see graduates joining West Yorkshire Police on a two-year training programme, where they can focus on areas like being a Detective, a Response Officer or becoming a specialist in Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Those who join the scheme will be a police officer from day one, with training split between the Force’s training and development centre in Carr Gate, Wakefield and at Leeds Trinity University’s Horsforth campus.

Graduates will be paid a starting salary of £24,167 throughout their training, with the salary increasing to £26,371 once the training is completed.

Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams said: “This is the first time we are recruiting on the new scheme for graduates, and it is an exciting time to train and develop your career following your degree.

“Being a police officer gives you some of the proudest days of your life. A career at West Yorkshire Police will open up so many opportunities to you, and there are countless opportunities to develop and widen your skills.

“If this is your first step towards a policing career – whether you are straight out of university or at a later stage in your life – this is the perfect time to join the police and to earn while you embark on a new career.

“We continue to work hard to increase our diversity within the Force and our recent recruitment campaigns have seen us attract a diverse group of student officers. We are continuing to look for those who can make a real difference in West Yorkshire and become positive role models; representing all communities and cultures across the county."

In order to apply, people need to have an Honours degree of any level in any subject and be able to pass a job-related fitness test.

At the end of the two-year course, graduates will also be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

Recruitment begins today.