Force's first apprentice will help police develop links with young people

HUMBERSIDE Police has taken on its first apprentice in a bid to engage with young people in the community.

Luke Kennedy has joined the force's youth engagement team for a two-year apprenticeship.

He will be working closely with young people across the Humberside force area to develop links between youngsters and the police.

Luke, of Gipsyville, west Hull, said he was delighted to be given this opportunity.

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He said: "I am really looking forward to learning and understanding the work the police do within the community.

"Youth work is something I have always wanted to do and I can't wait to get out and stuck into the job.

"I think a lot of young people have a certain image of the police and I want to turn that around.

"I'm sure there will be lots of challenges but I hope I can make a difference to the team here."

The 21-year-old, who was previously working for his dad's building company, met Chief Constable Tim Hollis to discuss his role.

Mr Hollis said Luke will bring a fresh perspective to the force's engagements with young people.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for both Luke and the police to develop relationships with young people.

"Young people need support and it is amazing what they can achieve with that.

"You just have to look at the success of our Lifestyle and Rock Challenge projects to see what can be achieved.

"Having someone of a similar age engaging with young people will hopefully highlight what is available to them in terms of careers and other aspects of life.

"A lot of my staff are local to the area and that is what makes our service successful and effective.

"To be able to offer this apprenticeship to Luke – a local lad – is great. Who knows, this could be the start of things to come."

As well as spending time working in the youth engagement team, Luke will study for an NVQ Level 2 in youth work at Hull College.

Inspector Ashley Allan, community safety officer at Humberside Police, said: "Having Luke involved in these projects will help strengthen links with young people across Humberside.

"Our community projects are already a great success but we now want to show young people what could be next for them and Luke will be able to offer them advice on how he has got where he is now.

"It is the first time we have offered this apprenticeship so it is as much a learning curve for us as it is for Luke."

The apprenticeship is being funded in partnership with Houlton, a Hull building company.

Andrew Kingston, building and maintenance director at Houton, said: "We are delighted to be able to support this apprenticeship.

"Our company is very much family orientated and to work closely with the community is something we always look to do."