Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship

Introduction

Join us as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Apprentice and take your first step into the world of policing. Applications are now open for our first PCSO apprenticeship intake, planned for April 2026. Start Your Career in Policing with a PCSO Apprenticeship and make a real difference in your community while earning and learning.

About the Employer

Merseyside Police was formed in 1974 and serves a population of around 1.5 million people, covering an area of 647 square kilometres. We currently employ over 6000 people in a variety of roles, including Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, Police Support Staff, Special Police Officers and Volunteers. At Merseyside Police, we believe in putting our communities first in everything we do. We are proud to deliver an excellent policing service and we will continue to work with our communities to tackle the issues that concern them most. Merseyside Police is made up of many different departments. Each department has a different focus, but they all work together towards the vision of providing the region with excellent policing. Our services include helping to create a safer Merseyside by using our expertise to design out crime. We are also responsible for preparing for emergencies, involved in the Policing of all the major events across Merseyside.

What You'll Do

What You’ll Do:

As a PCSO Apprentice, you’ll work alongside trainers and experienced officers to:

• Engage with local communities to build trust and reduce crime
• Provide visible patrols to improve public safety
• Support vulnerable individuals and respond to incidents
• Gather intelligence and assist in investigations

What You’ll Learn:

Through a structured apprenticeship programme, you’ll gain:

• A nationally recognised qualification in community safety
• Practical policing skills and on-the-job experience
• Personal development and career progression opportunities

Training Outcome

• Building a workforce that represents our communities is important to us
• We aim to attract & keep people with the best skills & highest potential
• Opportunites to progress to other roles within Merseyside Police are available after a period of probation

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Interest in public service
• Interest in community safety

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - E or 2 (or equivalent)
• Essential - GCSE - maths - E or 2 (or equivalent)

Course Information

Course: Police community support officer (level 4)

Level: 4

Route: Protective services

Apprenticeship Level: Higher

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Hours– Mixture of days and late shifts (not past 10pm). This includes 1 weekend in the shift pattern.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months

Number of Positions Available: 15

Training Provider: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF MERSEYSIDE