Josh has ‘dream’ police job thanks to degree apprenticeship
Josh Clancy graduated with a Foundation Degree in Applied Cyber Security from Coleg Llandrillo / Bangor University, and is now working in the digital forensics unit for North Wales Police
Recent Coleg Llandrillo graduate Josh Clancy is enjoying his “dream job” with North Wales Police thanks to his Degree Apprenticeship.
The 26-year-old from Abergele now works in the force’s digital forensics team, after landing the job when he completed his Level 5 studies last summer.
With a young child to care for, Josh found the perfect route to the career he had long aspired to, studying one day per week on the fully funded FdSc Applied Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship while working as an IT technician with Rydal Penrhos school.
He said: “Everything fell into place. I had my interview with North Wales Police a couple of weeks before my final degree assignment was due, and started with them in June.
“The job is absolutely amazing, it’s like a dream come true. It’s a fascinating job with really good hours, and they’re really good with childcare.
“I work in mobile phones, so if someone’s phone is seized, it’s our job to get into it and find the information the officer is requesting.
“For mobile phones you don’t always need to have a degree, but I think I was the only one at interview who did, so I think that was one of the reasons that set me apart.”
Josh started at college studying Level 3 Information Technology, before his tutors Emily Byrnes and Andrew Scott suggested a degree apprenticeship.
“I’d always wanted to work in digital forensics but the closest uni course was in Liverpool,” said Josh. “So I thought the cyber security degree was a good option, as North Wales Police also have a cyber crime team.
“The course was brilliant. All the tutors were absolutely brilliant and were very understanding. I have a lot of respect for Emily and Andy. I’ve had Emily since Level 3, she was always pushing me, and Andy was the same, he was always trying to get me apprenticeships.”
Josh said the degree apprenticeship was ideal for his circumstances, enabling him to earn while he learned, while avoiding having to pay tuition fees.
“I think degree apprenticeships are the way forward these days,” he added. “You get four days on the job so you’re gaining onsite knowledge as well as the teaching and learning elements in college.”
Degree apprenticeships also benefit employers, with graduates entering the job market already immersed in the world of work and equipped with skills needed in their role.
Roxanne Kellett, manager of mobile phones and CCTV for North Wales Police digital forensic unit, said: “Coming in as a member of the public into North Wales Police can be a daunting task, but Josh came prepared with the technical knowledge needed to fulfil the role of mobile technician.
“Josh has had to learn to follow standard operating procedures and the code of conduct, all of which has been made easier by his experience in his previous role. He scored the highest in the interview process from a practical standpoint, so was well equipped with the knowledge required to join the digital forensic unit.”
Asked for his advice for anyone considering a degree apprenticeship, Josh said: “100% if you’re considering it then go for it. It’s got me where I want to be in life.”
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s fully funded Applied Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship, awarded by Bangor University, has been developed in conjunction with industry, equipping the modern network technician with the skills required to manage and secure computer systems. Learn more here.