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Digital Forensic Apprenticeships

  • Welcome to the Metropolitan Police’s Digital Forensic Technician apprenticeship scheme microsite. This site is designed to support your application to the two-year apprenticeship scheme with additional information from digital forensic practitioner staff, and the ability to submit and review answers to frequently asked questions. Applications to the scheme will be via the Metropolitan Police’s recruitment website.

    We are looking for highly motivated individuals over 18 years of age, with an interest in technology and an inquisitive mind-set, eager to learn, and looking to begin a career in digital forensics. The starting salary is £27,448. This is a civilian role, and is not a route to becoming a police officer. Similarly, this is not intended as route into roles with traditional forensics such as fingerprints, DNA or crime scene in the near- or mid- term.

    What is Digital Forensics?

    Digital Forensics is all about investigating and analysing digital evidence to help solve crimes. We extract and examine data from mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices to find vital information like communications, internet activity, and file sharing which will be used as evidence in criminal investigations. The digital world keeps evolving, so you will always be learning about new developments in technology, and often experiencing them first hand. If you’re passionate about technology, solving puzzles, and making a difference, digital forensics could be a thrilling career choice for you.

    What will you be doing?

    Working alongside experienced Digital Forensics practitioners in a professional office environment, you will gain valuable hands-on experience across various areas of the department. This role combines comprehensive training within a real forensics environment, alongside classroom learning with the support of the apprenticeship training provider, working to gain a qualification and develop the necessary skills for a successful career in digital forensics, all while earning a wage. During the course of your training and studies you will:

    • Learn forensic examination principles.
    • Learn to carry out forensic extraction and review of data from digital devices, including mobile devices, computers, and storage media.
    • Learn to use industry-standard forensic tools and software.
    • Learn to work within the bounds of the laws and regulations that govern forensic practices and police investigations.
    • Learn to support non-technical staff, including police officers, to operate digital forensic systems.
    • Assist with provision of evidence-viewing capabilities for investigating officers.
    • Support colleagues with forensic case work
    • Be prepared to appear in court as a witness of fact.

    You will start work at our central laboratory at Lambeth HQ, but during your course of study you will attend training with the apprenticeship training provider and will have postings to locally delivered forensic investigation teams (LDFITs), digital forensic hubs, and potentially roles within Central Specialist Crime, situated across the MPS estate, to provide a range of training and experience.  We will endeavour to place staff at locations which are most accessible to them, in consideration of operational needs.

Digital-Forensic-Apprenticeship-Level-4-Factsheet

More information is available on the Forensic Capability Network website and on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can apply for the apprenticeship? (updated 8/12)

    The apprenticeship is open to anyone wanting to start a digital forensics career who doesn’t have an existing Level 4 qualification or above in this or a closely-related field, and would require “significant new knowledge, skills and behaviours to be occupationally competent in the job role”. While apprenticeships are often targeted at school or college leavers, people looking to return to work after a career break or for a change of career are also welcome to apply. You will need to be 18 or older on the 1st January 2024, and free to commence work early-mid 2024, recruitment timelines permitting. This opportunity is not intended for university leavers (Level 5+), keep an eye on the Met Police’s careers website for Digital Forensic Assistant or Digital Forensic Technician opportunities.

    In order to apply, you will need the right to work/reside in the UK – as the rules around this are complex you should contact HR via the application link if you have any questions about your personal circumstances. A role in policing will be subject to vetting, you should answer honestly and openly to the eligibility and security clearance questions.

  • What is the structure of the apprenticeship?

    The apprenticeship will comprise approximately 20% blended learning with 80% on the job training/work over the two years. The learning element is likely to be larger at the beginning of the apprenticeship, and comprise in-person training, seminars, and one-to-ones, as well as remote learning and self-study. The training provider, Blue Lights Digital, will be responsible for assessing your learning and development during the apprenticeship programme in conjunction with the MPS. Apprentices will work to achieve digital forensic competencies with the employer and work according to those competencies during their apprenticeship.

    In the second half of year two, the apprentices will be moving towards gateway and the end-point assessment of the apprenticeship, which will comprise observed practice and a professional discussion based on the work undertaken during the apprenticeship. On successful completion, apprentices will be able to apply for available roles within Digital Forensics, likely at a Digital Forensic Technician level, but with the option of a Digital Forensic Assistant role if this is more suitable.

  • What does the recruitment process look like? (updated 18/12)

    The launch of the apprenticeship has been protracted so recruitment timelines have shifted throughout the process so timings below are relative and approximate.

    • Application with a curriculum vitae and a personal statement – your curriculum vitae should include your academic and other achievements such as qualifications and certifications, skills and experience, as well any employment history.  Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills, experience, hobbies and interests demonstrate your suitability for the role (four weeks)

    • An online test (two weeks)

    • Interview stage* (two weeks)

    • Vetting (up to four months)

    * The interview stage may be broken up into a short, online interview followed by a face-to-face interview, depending on the level of interest in the apprenticeship scheme.

    Due to vetting timescales being highly variable, an actual start date cannot be provided. Our intention is to start the apprenticeship as soon as vetting is complete, subject to reasonable notice periods. This is likely to be before the end of the current academic year, so the apprenticeship may not be suitable for someone still undertaking Level 3 qualifications. We intend to align future deliveries of the apprenticeship to the academic year.

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Please do not include any personal data in your question and note we cannot reply directly to you. If you have a question about your individual application, please direct it to HR via the Recruitment website.