Level 6 – Forensic Collision Investigator

Does working in a fast-paced and varied environment sound appealing to you? If so, keep on reading this article so you can find out everything you need to know about a Level 6 apprenticeship which involves investigating and reconstructing road traffic incidents by using scientific and engineering principles to determine how the incident occurred. This job could be perfect for you. Read on to find out more about becoming a Forensic Collision Investigator.

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Jobs and entry criteria for the Level 6 Forensic Collision Investigator

The Forensic Collision Investigator apprenticeship (integrated degree) provides opportunities for an apprentice to learn the skills to investigate and reconstruct road traffic and other vehicle-related incidents, using scientific and engineering principles to determine how an incident occurred. The evidence that you collated will then be provided to practitioners to use in courts and other arenas.

A trainee Forensic Collision Investigator salary starts at £29,201 per year. You can then earn up to £40,000, showing there is strong opportunities for career progression.

Does that sound good to you? Then keep on reading!

Next, let’s look at what is required of you to start the apprenticeship

It is pretty standard that most employers will require you to have a level 2 in Maths and English – but let’s look at what this job sector requires…

Typically, entrants may be required to have a minimum of 2 A levels at grade C or above; one of which should be in maths or a science, and 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) including English, Maths, and Science or suitable equivalent as BTECs.

Due to this apprenticeship being technically and emotionally challenging, the potentially traumatic nature of the work, you need to be 18 or over.

Regardless of your history in Maths and English, the employer may hire you if they think you’re a perfect fit for the job role. So even if you don’t have certificates they are looking for, you will get the chance to achieve these, prior to taking the End Point Asessment, EPA.

Because you will be on-call in this job role, a full category B driving licence is required within 12 months of starting the apprenticeship.

So if all you have ticked off all of the above wants and needs for the apprenticeship – what are you waiting for?

Key responsibilities of a Forensic Collision Investigator

If you decide this apprenticeship is for you, you will be responsible for identifying, preserving and recording physical evidence from the scene of an incident. This includes photographing / videoing the incident scene. You will also be surveying the scene, preparing scale plans and other visual representations. And finally, conducting tests or forensic examinations towards building a reconstruction. Everyday will be different, and will offer you a new challenge – so if this is what you want your career to be, then this apprenticeship is perfect for you.

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Forensic Collision Investigator at a car crash
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a car crash at night

Level 6 Forensic Collision Investigator Key Responsibilities

As part of this job role, you will need to carry out duties that will satisfy a number of competencies. Here are some examples:

  • decide and implement a strategy to identify and record scene evidence
  • secure and recover digital data for later analysis
  • conduct vehicle examinations to identify defects or faults
  • review witness evidence
  • conduct tests to aid your investigation
  • use specialist software and techniques to aid an investigation
  • liaise with relevant parties to prevent your findings

Conclusion

To conclude, the Level 6 Forensic Collision Investigator is a great apprenticeship for those passionate about working in the police force with an excellent willingness to learn. So if you are looking for a job that that sits within the public and private sector in organisations such as the Police and large fleet operators, then this level 6 apprenticeship may be the one for you. Remember, your apprenticeship is just the start of your career!

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Forensic Apprenticeships: Sexual Offence

If you had the chance to support someone in their most difficult moment, would you take it? Around 2% of adults have reported being victims of sexual violence in 2020 alone. The Level 7 Advanced Forensic Practitioner Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to be equipped to support victims of sexual offence with compassion and care. forensic apprenticeships

Sexual Offence Laws: How Can I Help?

Evidence brings perpetrators of sexual violence to justice. Without evidence, victims are often left without closure and are left feeling unsafe. Forensic teams are crucial to ensuring that evidence is handled delicately and professionally. This enables police officers to go on to convict offenders.

“What does the apprenticeship involve?” 

A Level 7 Advanced Practitioner Apprentice is equipped to manage the trauma of victims, liase with healthcare providers around areas of sexual health, as well as providing routes of safeguarding for further protection. In addition to this, an apprentice will also be able to grow their expertise in the understanding of injuries, enabling juries to feel more confident in sexual offence convictions.

It is also essential that an apprentice displays compassion and professionalism when working alongside victims.

This will enable them to begin to heal from trauma, as well as feeling empowered in their recovery.

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It could be your role to bring compassion and comfort.

“What would a normal day involve?” 

Everyday is different. However, the apprentice will regularly liaise with the police, sexual health services, mental health support teams, accident and emergency departments, lawyers, health care providers, jurers, social workers and substance misuse support services. 

Forensic Apprenticeships: Are they for me?

A main aspect of the role is supporting individuals through the criminal justice system by undertaking assessments. For example, mapping injuries, forensic examination and the collection of forensic evidence. Apprentices would lead a team of people who provide support for victims, with access to more senior support throughout.

“What skills would I need?” 

The Forensic Apprenticeships require you to be a Registered Nurse, Registered Paramedic, or Registered Medical Practitioner. The accepted governing boards are the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Healthcare Professionals Council or the General Medical Council. Apprentices must have obtained a Level 2 English and Maths qualification.

However, those without this qualification will need to obtain it before the End-Point Assessment. The minimum English Language requirement is Level 3.

We will also accept a British Sign Language (BSL) qualification.

Below is a list of core skills. The range from an understanding of using the appropriate tools to assess patients to identify abuse, the ability to document injuries reliably and professionally and give oral evidence in court.

Forensic Apprenticeship: Core Skills Needed

  • Use the appropriate tools to assess patients to identify abuse.
  • Decide the most appropriate forensic strategy for the patient. 
  • Take samples, including skin swabs, intimate samples and toxicology. 
  • Create a record of injuries using cameras when appropriate.
  • Follow the chain of evidence procedure.
  • Provide evidence in a court of law.
  • Write objectively.
  • Complete all governance processes, for example, feedback, infection control, medicine management and health and safety. 
  • Maintain patient confidentiality. 
  • Manage and supervise others, as well as creating improvement plans for some employees. 
  • Communicate with the criminal justice setting. 
  • Take part in clinical supervision. 
  • Record mental health conditions and disorders. 
  • Undertake risk assessments. 
  • Give medicine. 
  • Respect the patient’s beliefs, culture and privacy. 
  • Make evidence based decisions. 
  • Use de-escalation techniques where appropriate. 
  • Manage strategies which support the patient in recovery from trauma.

If you could see yourself in this role, supporting individuals, providing evidence that leads to prosecution, and creating effective recovery plans that empower victims, this 12 month apprenticeship could be for you.

The skills that you will develop during the apprenticeship will enable you to bring a higher level of expertise to the role, enabling you to make more of a positive impact in the lives of victims of sexual violence.

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It’s time to take hold of your future and take up your role in someone’s story.