A Mansfield receptionist is among the first apprentices to land a permanent staff role at Nottinghamshire Police.

Rebecca Tansley was offered full-time employment after impressing during a two-year programme with the force.

She has become a support worker within the force’s Multi-Agency Intelligence Team.

Nottinghamshire Police established its own apprenticeship programme in 2019, with the aim of recruiting apprentices in various roles across the service.

Rebecca joined as a business administration apprentice after deciding she no longer wanted to be a receptionist.

Her new role as a support worker will see her provide intelligence to aid officers and staff working on investigations across the county.

The 21-year-old said she was thrilled to land a full-time job with the force.

“It’s an incredibly varied and busy role. Each day I am involved in pulling together up-to-date reports regarding GPS tagging, registered sex offender briefings as well as recalls,” she explained.

“If someone has been recalled to prison, we have to update our teams so they have the latest intelligence.

“I’ve learnt such a lot since starting my apprenticeship. I’ve had lots of training and I’m excited to now be putting that into practice.”

Apprenticeships offer a valid alternative to university education, allowing an apprentice a dynamic way of learning practical skills that can enhance or build on long-term career prospects.

Becky said she had no regrets about choosing an apprenticeship over going to university.

“Apprenticeships give the opportunity to progress to the same high levels, but whilst earning a wage and gaining valuable experience, which is ultimately really important,” she added.

“Particularly within Nottinghamshire Police, there are so many opportunities to progress within different areas that may, at first, appear out of reach. The range of apprenticeships offered is vast. They are not only for young people, but for anyone over 18.”

The force has been taking apprentices since the start of 2019 and currently has 20 working across multiple departments, including cyber security, forensics, CSI, finance, business administration, contact management, accountancy, human resources and people services.

Ron Lawrence, apprentice officer, said: “Apprentices are our future, and our programmes equip people with the skills, knowledge and support to be the best they can be.

“We have a opportunities available and we are looking for candidates with a positive attitude and an enthusiasm to develop and learn as part of a team.”

λ For more information, go to www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/working-for-us/nottinghamshire-police-staff-apprenticeships