At a Glance
- Tasks: Join South Wales Police to protect and serve your community while gaining valuable skills.
- Company: Be part of a dedicated team at South Wales Police, committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Full manual driving licence mandatory; background checks will be conducted.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society with a career that offers variety and excitement.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or degree required; resilience and compassion are key.
The predicted salary is between 31164 - 43430 £ per year.
Location: Forcewide across South Wales
Starting Salary: £31,164 per annum
Job Type: Full Time / Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Closing Date: 03/03/2026, 12:00
Would you like a career like no other? If so, Join Us. 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 where no two days are the same - and it offers a variety of fulfilling and exciting careers. 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.
Which route will you choose?
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): 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.
- Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP): 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.
The Role: You will spend your first 6 months within training where you will learn the relevant legislation and processes alongside technical skills such as Personal Safety Training, First Aid and force computer systems. Following this, you will deploy (with a tutor constable initially) to a uniformed response team working a rotating shift pattern of days, afternoons or until 0300 on Friday/Saturday and onto nights across 7 days of the week followed by 4 rest days. This will include Public Holidays.
Benefits: There are numerous benefits to working for South Wales Police, from learning and development opportunities to schemes which aim to improve your lifestyle and wellbeing, as well as generous Local Government Pension Scheme / Police Pension Schemes, paid annual leave, flexible working and family friendly policies and many more.
Additional Information: Please note, it is now mandatory to have a full manual driving licence in order to be appointed. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to MV/SC Vetting. Due to the sensitive nature of the work performed by South Wales Police, all applicants will undergo a comprehensive background check as a part of the recruitment process.
Assessment Periods: During March and April 2026. Please click on the APPLY button to commence and submit your application for this role. Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Police Officer, Community Police Officer, Trainee Police Officers, Community Safety Officers, Patrol and Supervision Officers, Operational Policing Team may also be considered for this role.
Police Student Constable Campaign employer: South Wales Police
South Wales Police is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where every individual can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes, including the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and Degree Holder Entry Programme, allowing you to earn while you learn. Our supportive culture prioritises your wellbeing with flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a robust pension scheme, making it a fulfilling place to build a meaningful career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Student Constable Campaign
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like South Wales Police, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like South Wales Police and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Student Constable Campaign
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for South Wales Police and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Wales Police
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South Wales Police, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for South Wales Police.
