Lucy’s in hot pursuit of her dream job on the beat
LUCY RAMSEY is fulfilling her lifelong dream of joining the police.
First, she gained a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services and a BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Public Services at Walsall College.
Now the 20-year-old, from Walsall, in the West Midlands, is studying for a BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Public Services on a fulltime, university-level course, which finishes next month.
Lucy has already qualified as a special constable with West Mercia Police, and plans to apply to join the service when she graduates this summer. She says: ‘It’s always been my dream to become a police officer, so I enrolled on to a public services course to learn as much as possible about the role and increase my chances of getting into the force.
‘When I was coming to the end of my Level 3 course, I decided I wanted to get a degree, so that, in the future, I could be considered for senior roles.
‘ The tutors were so supportive, I felt staying here and continuing on to the Level 4 and 5 was the best decision. It also made more sense financially.
‘It’s a very practical course, which involves lots of different expeditions to help you build on your physical and team-working skills, as well as challenging you further.’
Students learn more advanced practical skills and knowledge required to work in senior roles within the Armed Forces, police, fire and ambulance services as part of the qualification.
The course consists of 16 mandatory units, including psychology and human behaviour; criminology and safer communities; justice and punishment; and managing physical activity.
Lucy says: ‘I was encouraged to apply to become a special constable role alongside my studies, and my tutors gave me a lot of help and support with my application.
‘ It was tough, but the course has taught me many key skills required for the role.
‘It helped me stand out in the recruitment process.
‘I enjoy helping to keep members of the public safe as part of the role, and it has given me even more determination to become a fully qualified police officer.’
Walsall College is the largest provider of qualifications for 14- to19-year-olds in Walsall.