After leaving school at 18, James Bateman, never dreamed he’d see the day when he would be graduating. But now he’s not only graduated with a diploma in leadership and management, but has seen his career go from strength to strength due to his studies.
He joined the police force straight after school and worked his way through the ranks, but it was when he set his sights on management that he realised he’d have to return to education in order to gain the qualifications he needed to progress in his career. James decided that the best way to obtain this qualification would be to study for a Higher Apprenticeship whilst continuing to work with Derbyshire Constabulary.
The work-based route of a Higher Apprenticeship allowed him to study for his university-level qualification part-time whilst still holding down his job to support his young family. Last year, James graduated from his apprenticeship in leadership and management and was promoted to acting Detective Inspector.
And that wasn’t the end of his run of success, for he then went on to gain national acclaim when he was awarded Higher Apprentice of the Year at the Learning Unlimited National Apprenticeship Awards.
He said: “Graduating was something that I never imagined would happen to me. I have never been very academic so I went straight in to the police force at 18 years old. I never thought I would return to education so when the opportunity arose at the age of 35, I was a little apprehensive to say the least!
“However, thanks to the support from my employers and colleagues at Derbyshire Constabulary, and the patience and support from my family and friends, here I am. My qualification has now enabled me to be promoted to a managerial role so it’s all been worth it.”
Find out more about higher apprenticeships and the vacancies we have available here.