NSCG’s Careers Day with West Midlands Police
16 June 2025
On Thursday 12 June, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) welcomed West Midlands Police to its Stafford College campus for a dedicated Police Careers Takeover Day, aimed at inspiring the next generation of policing professionals.
Approximately 300 students from a wide range of courses took part in a programme of informative talks, interactive workshops and networking sessions with police officers and staff representing numerous departments across West Midlands Police.
The event opened in the Auditorium with a talk and Q&A session with Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welstead, who shared insights into his career journey and current responsibilities as a senior officer.
Following the opening session, learners were able to attend breakout workshops aligned to their personal career aspirations. The Apprenticeship Team from West Midlands Police provided valuable guidance on the various apprenticeship pathways available, including degree-level programmes, alongside advice on the application process and alternative routes into the force.
Students also engaged with representatives from the Operational and Uniform Policing Teams, who outlined the duties of frontline officers, including trained firearms officers, police dog handlers and the roads and crime unit.
The specialist units, which also included the Major Crime Unit, Drone Team, Counter Terrorism Unit and Forensics, proved particularly popular, offering learners an unique look into the wide range of specialist career paths within modern policing.
In addition to frontline roles, students also gained insight into essential police support services. Departments such as Finance, IT, and Vehicle Technology and Repairs demonstrated the diverse career opportunities available beyond operational policing, reinforcing that there is a role for everyone within the force.
Mark Kent, Director of Professional Studies from NSCG, said: “The West Midlands Police Service is the second largest police force in the country and we are incredibly grateful of their support to the careers takeover day at Stafford campus. The day has provided incredible insight on the breadth and demands of so many different roles in the service to students from a variety of study programmes.
“I would particularly like to thank all of the West Midland Police staff for their attendance and particularly the Chief Constable Craig Guildford and PC Chris Gilbert for their efforts and support to pull a day such as this together.”