By Lucy Caulkett-
Supermarket giant Asda is making a significant contribution to bolster West Yorkshire’s police force by allocating £99,000 of apprenticeship funding to support a new cohort of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
This initiative, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Police and the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, underscores a commitment to recruiting and training essential law enforcement personnel to enhance safety and security across the region.
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The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has recently vowed to recruit 750 new police officers and staff, making this funding allocation a pivotal step towards achieving that goal. As part of a broader partnership between businesses and training providers, including West Yorkshire Police, this collaboration has garnered a total of £5.7 million in pledges from local businesses.
This financial support allows over 530 apprentices, including the new PCSO recruits, to embark on training initiatives vital to the region.
As a major employer, Asda is obligated to contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy, a percentage of its annual payroll earmarked for apprenticeships. Working closely with Mayor Brabin, a portion of this funding has been allocated to train the incoming PCSO cohort, in addition to ten new emergency contact handlers.
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Mayor Tracy Brabin emphasized the significance of this collaborative approach, saying, “Here in West Yorkshire, we’re bringing together businesses and training providers to ensure young people get the skills they need to succeed. I’m thrilled that our support is helping to bolster the region’s police force, as we work to build a safer, fairer West Yorkshire for all.”
She expressed her delight at meeting the apprentices at the outset of their promising careers and expressed confidence in their bright futures.
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Bakerat of West Yorkshire Police welcomed the new PCSOs, recognizing their valuable contributions to the police force and the broader West Yorkshire community.
In addition to helping establish the new PCSO cohort, Mayor Brabin is collaborating with local job centers to encourage individuals to consider roles within West Yorkshire Police. After attending informational sessions at local job centers, candidates are encouraged to enroll in specialized courses designed to guide them through the police application process.
One of the new PCSOs, Daisy Speak, shared her motivation, saying, “I applied to be a PCSO because I would like to make a difference in the community and support people that need us the most. I also want to try my best to make a difference to people’s perception of the police.” She expressed her appreciation for the apprenticeship opportunity, which enables her to earn a competitive wage, gain qualifications, and gather experience on her path to becoming a police constable.
Asda’s commitment to apprenticeships extends beyond this initiative. The company has already facilitated over 70 apprenticeships within various organizations across the region, transferring more than half a million pounds to the mayor’s Apprenticeship Levy fund since 2020.
Hayley Tatum, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized the importance of apprenticeships, especially during challenging times, stating, “Apprenticeships are vital in providing young people opportunities for growth, employment, and to build new skills.” She highlighted Asda’s dedication to supporting local communities as both a supermarket and a large business and employer.
This announcement comes on the heels of the West Yorkshire Plan’s launch, aiming to upskill individuals for well-paid jobs while fostering a safer and more equitable West Yorkshire for all its residents.
The collaborative efforts between businesses, the Mayor’s office, and local institutions signal a commitment to enhancing public services and fostering positive community impacts through apprenticeships and workforce development.
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