COLLEGE students in Greenock were given advice on how to apply to join the police.

A workshop on ‘employability’ was organised for students on two West College Scotland courses – National Certificate (NC) Police Services and NC Introduction to Criminal Justice.

It was addressed by Audrey Paul, special constable/Police Scotland youth volunteers co-ordinator, and much appreciated by the students who said it was “very insightful and helpful”. 

Students were briefed on how to prepare a successful application, and on the skills they should be promoting when applying for both the special and regular constable roles.

A college spokesperson said: “This course is 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. 

“NC Introduction to Criminal Justice is a more recent addition to the courses offered at the college’s 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, and 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 at the workshop about the successful working relationship with Police Scotland and its positive impact on the course.

She said: “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 are open now for NC Police Services and NC Introduction to Criminal Services, as well as a range of other courses at the Waterfront campus.

Visit www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk for more information and to apply.