Hi, I’m Joe Boyle, and I’ve been working as a Recruitment Team Leader at British Transport Police for just over three years. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing both police officer and police staff recruitment. But one area that’s always been close to my heart is early careers.
My passion for supporting students and early talent actually began during my university days, when I worked in the Careers and Placements team at Aston University. One of my proudest achievements was launching a brand-new volunteering campaign that helped over 50 students gain valuable experience in just a few months. It was all about bridging the gap; giving students with limited work experience a stepping stone into paid roles or placements. That experience showed me just how powerful early career support can be.
Why Early Careers?
Because it changes lives. Supporting students at the start of their professional journey helps unlock potential, build confidence, and open doors to careers they might never have considered. It’s not just about jobs; it’s about creating opportunities, promoting inclusion, and helping young people find their place in the world of work.
What Are We Doing at BTP?
Over the past year, I’ve been exploring how BTP can build stronger relationships with schools, colleges, and universities. These partnerships are vital; they help us raise awareness of the wide range of careers in policing and attract talent from all walks of life. They also give students a chance to learn about BTP, gain real-world insights, and bring their fresh ideas and energy into our organisation.
One of our biggest milestones was launching BTP’s first-ever Graduate Programme for students with a degree in Professional Policing. We welcomed 10 brilliant graduates from across the UK, and it’s been a huge success. We’re excited to keep growing this programme and supporting the next generation of policing professionals.
We’re also out and about at careers events across the country, and the feedback has been fantastic. After one of our sessions at Sheffield Hallam University, student interest in applying to BTP jumped from 21% to 74%; a clear sign that these conversations really matter.
What’s Next?
We’re always looking for new ways to collaborate. This summer, we’re launching an exciting new project with the University of Lincoln, where students will work on a real-world challenge: “Breaking Barriers at BTP: Investigating Female Underrepresentation in Police Officer Applications.” It’s a brilliant opportunity for students to gain experience while helping us tackle an important issue with fresh perspectives.
Want to Get Involved?
If you’re a student or part of an educational institution and want to explore opportunities with BTP, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s through our Special Constable roles, On Patrol Scheme, or work experience programme, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.
📧 Get in touch: recruitmentteam@btp.police.uk
