NEW police officers are being hired as West Mercia Police launches a new recruitment drive.

The police force will open up for job applications in November as it looks to recruit officers in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

Rachel Jones, assistant chief constable for local policing, said: "If you enjoy facing challenges and solving problems, and would like to contribute to keeping neighbourhoods safe while studying towards a degree or diploma, then policing could be for you.

"As a student police officer, you’ll get to learn new skills, meet new people and study for a paid-for qualification, meaning that you can earn while you learn.

"Starting a career in the police can be one of the best things you’ll ever do.

"However, being a police officer isn’t for everyone.

"It’s one of the most challenging careers you can choose, being physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, so we are looking for talented people with a real aptitude for dealing with the public, remaining calm and patient even in stressful or volatile situations, who are able to think on their feet and willing to develop new skills, as data and technology become ever more important to policing.

"You can help us make West Mercia Police reflect the communities we serve, as we particularly want to hear from people who are currently under-represented in our workforce, including women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds."

There are currently two ways of joining West Mercia Police as a student officer:

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship: Recruits follow an apprenticeship in policing for three years, with a starting salary of £22,317.

Joining as a full-time officer, apprentices will apply what they have learned on the job to their course of study, with the learning recognised with a degree in professional policing practice from Staffordshire University, with all tuition fees paid.

To be eligible, applicants must have level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths and level 3 qualifications in any subjects, such as A-Levels.

Degree Holder Entry Programme: Recruits who already have a degree join West Mercia Police and follow a two year programme, with a starting salary of £23,367.

The work-based and academic learning will be recognised with a graduate diploma in professional policing practice from Staffordshire University, with all tuition fees paid.

To be eligible for this route, applicants will have achieved, or are due to graduate with, a bachelor's degree or higher in any subject.

To apply to become a student officer with West Mercia, visit www.westmercia.police.uk and click on careers.