Career Development Workbook

The Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust have recently published their Career Development Workbook. This is a comprehensive workbook specifically designed to meet the needs of Police Officers and ex Police Officers who are facing career and lifestyle changes.

The experience of PRRT is that sometimes it may be difficult for those involved in change to see the way ahead and to make decisions. We believe it is important to recognise that change can present choices and create opportunities for new experiences and new careers. The workbook is designed to assist in helping you to see the range of opportunities available.

So whether you are considering active retirement, returning to study, new employment or self employment the Career Development Workbook will have something to offer you.

This workbook is presented in separate sections, which are designed to help you to make decisions that are right for you.

Self Assessment which is Section 3 is designed to help you get to know yourself and to identify your interest areas and your strengths. The Police Service will have helped you to develop a range of skills in a variety of roles. It is important to accept and to take ownership of these in order to acknowledge how transferable and valuable they will be in future roles. The focus on Occupational Research in Section 4 builds on this by helping to identify suitable career options that you may find rewarding. Clients are encouraged to research options through a number of routes before moving on to the next section which offers assistance with Decision Making.
To help you with the variety of approaches you may use when looking for work a dedicated Job Search section is included. Each approach is discussed with a list of useful websites and contacts included to help you.

One of the most important sections focuses on an area of career development many Officers have never had to consider before, developing a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Getting started on your Curriculum Vitae in Section 7 gives guidelines on what to include and offers a variety of formats for presentation. This section while it can stand alone is supported by Self Assessment in section 3 of the workbook and the PRRT CV and Interview skills course.

To support this Letter writing in Section 8 explores the main components of successful letter writing.

As many officers plan for new employment which for many can be a daunting task, a section is devoted to guidelines on how to prepare for and manage an interview. The Interview offers excellent tips on forward planning and what to do on the day. The final section in the workbook concludes with useful supportive details and a list of contacts for additional information.

PRRT feel the Career Development Workbook is an excellent resource which can greatly assist when moving from one role to another. Many of the concerns related to career development which are experienced by officers are addressed in the workbook.

The workbook is now available and while it can stand alone it is designed to be used in partnership with the sessions you will have with your Careers Adviser.

The services of the career department are available to

Retired Officers *
Officers leaving the job within10 years
Full Time Reserve Officers

To discuss eligibility or to arrange an appointment please telephone the Service Co 0rdinator 028 9042 7788

*Officers who have retired or are retiring under voluntary severance are not eligible for the careers service at PRRT until 2 years after their leaving date.

THE FUTURE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE