Digital Forensic Apprenticeship

Job description

Digital Forensic Apprenticeship

Vacancy Reference Number

23201

Number of Vacancies

6

(B) OCU

MO4 Forensic Services

Location

Lambeth HQ with postings to Frontline locations across the MPS during the apprenticeship

Band

Band R

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

36 hours per week

Type of Contract

Fixed Term

Contract Duration

24 Month

Job Advert

Job Title: Digital Forensic Apprenticeship

Salary: The starting salary is £30,714, which includes allowances totalling £3,009.

The salary is broken down as £27,705 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £30,868. Plus, a location allowance of £2,009 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

This role does not attract Shift Disturbance Allowance. If you are currently in a shift-working role, SDA should cease upon appointment to this job.

Location: Lambeth HQ with postings to Frontline locations across the MPS during the apprenticeship

What is this opportunity?

Are you looking to start a rewarding career in Digital Forensics? The Metropolitan Police Service is seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Digital Forensic Apprentices.

This two-year Level 4 apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to support criminal investigations through the examination of digital devices.

On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will automatically progress to a Digital Forensic Assistant role (starting salary £35,541 + £3,009 allowances)*.

The apprenticeship also provides an excellent foundation for future career development, with successful candidates well placed to apply for Digital Forensic Technician opportunities as they become available.

*We are committed to supporting apprentices throughout the programme. However, please note that successful completion of the apprenticeship is a condition of employment, and failure to complete it successfully would result in the termination of your contract.

What is Digital Forensics?

Digital Forensics is all about investigating and analysing digital evidence to help solve crimes. We acquire and examine data from mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices to find vital information like communications, internet activity, and file sharing which can be used as evidence in criminal investigations.

The digital world keeps evolving, so you will always be learning about new developments in technology, and often experiencing them first hand.

If you're passionate about technology, solving puzzles, and making a difference, digital forensics could be a thrilling career choice for you.

What will you be doing?

Working alongside experienced Digital Forensics practitioners in a professional office environment, you will gain valuable hands-on experience across various areas of the department. This role combines comprehensive training within a real forensics environment, alongside classroom learning with the support of the apprenticeship training provider, working to gain a qualification and develop the necessary skills for a successful career in digital forensics, all while earning a wage.

During the course of your training and studies you will:

• Learn forensic examination principles

• Learn to carry our forensic acquisition and review of data from digital devices, including mobile devices, computers, and storage media

• Learn to use industry-standard forensic tools and software

• Learn to work within the bounds of the laws and regulations that govern forensic practices and police investigations

• Learn to support non-technical staff, including police officers, to operate digital forensic systems

• Assist with provision of evidence-viewing capabilities for investigating officers

• Support colleagues with forensic case work

• Be prepared to appear in court as a witness of fact

You will start work at our central laboratory at Lambeth HQ, but during your course of study you will attend training with the apprenticeship training provider, and will have postings to digital forensic hubs situated across the MPS estate, to provide a range of training and experience. We will endeavour to place staff at locations which are most accessible to them, in consideration of operational needs.

When does the apprenticeship start?

Due to the time required for the recruitment process, including assessments, vetting, references and onboarding, successful candidates will need to be available to commence employment on 6 September 2027.

What is the application process?

Application is via a curriculum vitae, personal statement and online assessment.

Your curriculum vitae should include your academic and other achievements such as qualifications and certifications, skills and experience, as well any employment history.

Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills, experience, hobbies and interests demonstrate your suitability for the role.

How to apply

To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply button ". The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. Your Personal Statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills, experience, hobbies and interests demonstrate your suitability for the role. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 25th November 2026.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager.

Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview.

Essential For The Role

Who are we looking for?

A highly motivated individual over 18 years of age (as of 31st August 2027), with an interest in technology and an inquisitive mind-set, eager to learn, and looking to begin a career in digital forensics.

Essential qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience

• 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grades 9-5 (A*-C) or equivalent

• Excellent attention to detail, strong personal organisation and management skills

• Information technology skills

• Knowledge of, and interest in, modern digital technologies and an appreciation of the forensic opportunities and challenges around their examination

• Ability to build effective relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders, with strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

Desirable qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience

• Further education between 16-18, or non-academic training in similar or related subjects

• Personal or professional information technology experience

• Awareness of the rules regarding evidence gathering and its presentation at court

• Awareness of relevant legal powers/procedures/acts (CPIA, PACE and Human Rights Act etc.)

• Driving licence

Required Languages

English

Additional Information

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about .