Students were pleased with the workshop, commenting that they found it ‘Very insightful – what Audrey said about applying for the Police was very helpful because otherwise you would be going in to it blind.’ 

‘I did find it interesting and helpful when it came to the application process.  The examples PC Paul gave were very helpful’. 

Students were briefed how to prepare a successful application and the skills they should be promoting when applying for both the Special and Regular Constable role.  This course is specifically aimed at providing realistic and vocationally relevant information to students interested in applying for jobs within Police Scotland and the wider Criminal Justice system.  Modules which assess an understanding of Policing in Scotland, the wider structure of the Criminal Justice system and the social issues impacting on communities in relation to crime serve as excellent preparation for the Police Scotland application process. 

The NC Introduction to Criminal Justice course is a more recent inclusion of the courses offered at the College’s Greenock Waterfront Campus.  It was developed by staff and students looking to widen the focus of the existing Police Services course, to include more vocationally relevant opportunities, including First Aid, to help prepare for a career in Criminal Justice.  As well as allowing students to access the expertise of several former officers, the course includes valuable input from the college’s Sport Department in order to work towards the physical requirements of the application.

Karen Gallacher, Curriculum Enhancement Lecturer and a former serving officer spoke about the successful working relationship with Police Scotland and its positive impact on the course for the students at the Waterfront campus.

“Our working relationship with Police Scotland has continued this year, enhancing the experience of learners on this course. Our links with Audrey and her team have meant that the learners have additional experience through workshops including one on Counter-terrorism.  This has further developed their knowledge of Police Scotland as an organisation working to serve communities in modern society.”

Applications for NC Police Services and NC Introduction to Criminal Services, as well as a range of other courses at the College’s Greenock Waterfront campus, are open now. Visit www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk for more information and to apply.