PC Matt James is a former Ashton Sixth Form College student. He returned to the college to speak to students about his career as a Police Response Officer for Greater Manchester Police.

Matt studied a level 3 vocational course in Public Services at Ashton from 2009-2011. He then later returned to the college to study his PGCE course with the Higher and Adult Education department, before officially joining the Police Force. 

PC Matt James brought along his colleague Dean who was just four weeks in to the role, following his six year career in the Armed Forces. 

As a Police Response Officer no day is ever the same. Typically, they work from job to job and they have no idea what to expect until a job arrives and they make their way to the scene. The most jobs PC Matt remembers attending in one day is a staggering 16 jobs. Students were given an honest picture of the police force and the teamwork, resilience and problem solving skills required. 

While talking to the students about his experience working in the Police Force, Matt highlighted the opportunities available to them through training. Matt specialises in sexual offence cases which for many can lead to detective pathways, while other training opportunities lead to different sectors of the force. He is also a qualified level 2 Public Order Officer enabling him to be deployed at spontaneous or pre-planned public events when needed.

Students were able to ask the officers some of their own questions. Many of the Public Services students are looking to go in to the uniformed public services and Matt and Dean's visit allowed them to gain a greater understanding of the future careers available to them. Students asked a range of questions from how their role looks day-to-day through to what were some of the worst situations they've faced on the job. Guests to the classroom such as Matt and Dean, allow students to make more informed decisions about their futures.

Find out more about studying Public Services at Ashton here.