From retail to the frontline: Danielle’s journey to becoming a Police Officer through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Danielle Wright's career transformation from 16 years at a high street opticians to becoming a Police Constable is a testament to her drive for personal growth.

Through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme with ARU and Kent Police, Danielle found a fulfilling career where she could apply her people skills in meaningful ways. Her journey demonstrates how the PCDA offers a unique blend of academic achievement and real-world experience, paving the way for a new generation of police officers.

Taking a leap into policing

For over 16 years, Danielle worked in an opticians, excelling in a role that capitalised on her ability to work well with people. However, she began to crave a career where she could make a difference more directly.

Reflecting on her decision to switch careers, Danielle says: "I wanted to utilise my people skills in a role where I could help others, especially during their lowest moments. Keeping the public safe was a major draw for me."

While excited about the change, she also admits to feeling apprehensive: ”I was nervous about leaving a familiar role and moving into something I didn’t know at all. I even wondered if I was too old to do it, but I'm so pleased I took the leap and joined Kent Police.";

Why the PCDA?

Danielle first heard about the PCDA route after speaking with friends in the police force and researching different entry routes on the Kent Police website. What stood out to her was the opportunity to gain a degree while training to become a police officer – a perfect blend of academic challenge and practical policing.

"A degree was something I'd always wanted to achieve, and I thought it would add value to my career. The PCDA route appealed to me because it offered in-depth knowledge that I could directly apply on the job, making me better at what I do," she explains.

Putting training into action

Nothing can quite prepare you for your first day out on patrol, but the PCDA training gave Danielle a strong foundation. She remembers feeling both confident and supported during her initial experiences:

"There's only so much classroom training can prepare you for. However, when it was time to handle a road incident management situation on one of my first days, I felt prepared and confident. I'd learned about it in class, and I was able to apply that knowledge right away."

She also recalls the importance of having a tutor present for support, particularly when dealing with emotionally charged situations: "You learn how to juggle tasks, gather information, and deal with the emotional aspects of the job – it's a lot to manage, but you're never alone."

Adding value to Kent Police

Danielle takes great pride in the contributions she's made to Kent Police, particularly in applying her training to real-world situations. One memorable example involves a mental health incident where her PCDA training was vital:

"We attended a call involving a vulnerable person. I used techniques I'd learned during personal safety training to recognise that the person needed mental health support," she recalls. This moment reinforced her belief that perseverance and professionalism are key to making a meaningful impact on the job.

Highlights and achievements

Danielle's hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. She was awarded the Chief Constable's Cup, an honour given to a police apprentice for excelling in development during training.

"It was an incredible moment of pride. After being out of education for so long, to be recognised for my efforts reaffirmed that I had made the right decision in changing careers," she says. This achievement is particularly rewarding as it reflects her determination to excel in both the academic and practical aspects of the PCDA.

Advice to aspiring police officers

Danielle's journey hasn't been without its challenges, but her advice to others considering the PCDA is simple: "Research it first. It's a lot of work, but having a degree at the end of it is worth the effort. If I had to choose again, I would definitely take the PCDA route."

She emphasises the value of the degree not just for career advancement but as a huge personal achievement: "It's not just about becoming a police officer – it's about gaining the knowledge that makes you better at what you do, and the degree is a big part of that."

Support from ARU tutors

Danielle has found the support from ARU tutors to be invaluable throughout her PCDA journey.

"The tutors are brilliant. They care about what we're learning, apply their own experiences, and keep us engaged. They've also given us realistic expectations of what the job involves."

Their guidance, combined with practical insights, has helped Danielle and her peers navigate the unique challenges of balancing study with the realities of policing.

Danielle's journey from the world of retail to becoming a police constable through the PCDA route with ARU and Kent Police is a powerful reminder of the opportunities that apprenticeships provide. By embracing both the academic and practical aspects of the programme, she has not only achieved her goal of becoming a police officer but also earned a degree that will support her throughout her career.

For those considering a career in policing, Danielle's story is proof that it's never too late to pursue your passion and make a real difference.

Find out more about becoming a police officer with ARU, and becoming a Police Constable with Kent Police.