A group of Policing students waiting to graduate in the ceremony room.
A group of Policing students waiting to graduate in the ceremony room.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Winter Graduation Ceremony 2024

Intro

On 13 November, our recent cohort of Police Constable Degree Apprentices celebrated their graduation at the University of West London’s Ealing site in Weston Hall, together with friends and family.

Main body

Peter John CBE speaking at the Policing graduation ceremony on stage.

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), which is run by the UWL’s Institute for Policing Studies, combines practical industry service with the Metropolitan Police alongside research-based studies at UWL which leads to a fully funded degree, preparing our students for a career in the police force.

The graduates of this apprenticeship program were congratulated by members of the Board of Governors at UWL and by representatives of the Metropolitan Police, who were all delighted to witness the students achieve this milestone.

Professor Peter John CBE, the Vice-Chancellor and President of UWL, addressed the new graduates and their success on the PCDA course:

You were all aware that when you started this course, it was going to be a new, innovative way of teaching, and you’ve been part of that innovation.”

Jennifer Bernard, Peter John CBE and Adrian Ellison on stage at the Policing graduation ceremony.

Pro Chancellor Jennifer Bernard, who also spent time in the police force early in her career, commended the graduates on their achievements:

It’s such a pleasure to congratulate you on achieving your degree in Professional Policing Practice. We’ve followed your progress with very keen interest over the last three years as one of the very early cohorts of apprentices. Seeing you here this evening is a testament to your commitment, and – I hope you will feel – to the success of our professional partnership."

Hattie de Laine, Head of Operations and Quality for the Metropolitan Police Service in Initial Recruit Learning, gave the new graduates advice for the next steps in their careers: 

 

Today marks the end of the beginning and the next stage of your career in the Met, which really can take you anywhere. Approach every situation with integrity, courage, empathy and respect, and hold on to the passion that shines so evidently in your work. I hope you enjoy every minute of what is to come."

Adrian Ellison on stage at the Policing graduation ceremony.

Adrian Ellison, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Digital and People), said to our graduates:

We are so proud of you and your achievements, and I am privileged to be one of the first to formally congratulate you: well done! Do please keep in touch; you will always be a part of the University of West London."

After the ceremony, graduates and guests were invited to enjoy refreshments, take photos and celebrate the occasion with each other, and friends and family in the Heartspace.

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