Apprenticeship FAQs

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.

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.

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.