A digital forensic apprentice at West Midlands Police has visited Parliament as part of National Apprenticeship Week which runs from 10-14th February 2025.

Aimee Jones was invited by the Level 4 DF apprenticeship training provider Blue Lights Digital. She started the two-year scheme in October 2024 and is already working on real-life cases, along with six other apprentices at West Midlands Police. Read more on West Midlands Police's website.

Apprenticeships are an excellent route into the profession for young people considering careers in forensic science, as well as for those who wish to retrain for a new career and employers who want to attract the best candidates for their organisations.

The FCN has worked with the forensic science community, both physical and digital, over the last three years to develop new apprenticeships. You can find out more on the FCN apprenticeship webpage which provides both potential apprentices and employers with details about the benefits and routes into forensic science.

The Level 4 Digital Forensic Technician apprenticeship launched in July 2024 with 26 apprentices currently on programme. There will be more cohorts through 2025.

The Level 7 Advanced Digital Forensic Professional apprenticeship will start in March 2025 with 11 apprentices in the first cohort.

The FCN and the community are currently working on the development of a Level 4 Physical Forensic Practitioner apprenticeship, which if approved, will commence in 2026.

If you have any questions about apprenticeships please contact our Workforce Strategy Lead joanne.morrissey@dorset.pnn.police.uk.