MILITARY and emergency services student and aspiring Detective Constable, Ruby Dolphin, has been formally recognised for her outstanding achievements during her time as a Volunteer Police Cadet at Cheshire Constabulary.
After leaving school in 2021, Ruby joined Warrington & Vale Royal College with little self-confidence on the Entry 3 Vocational Studies course. Here, she was nurtured to develop her employability, communication and social skills, whilst trying a range of experience days in various subjects to help her decide on a course that was right for her the following year. It was during these experience days she found that military & emergency services was the perfect option for her, having always dreamed of working in the police and hopes of becoming a Detective Constable one day. This time also gave her the confidence to apply for Cheshire Constabulary’s Police Cadet Programme which, after impressing police staff in an extensive application process, she was successfully accepted onto.
Over the last year, Ruby has devoted a number of hours every week to volunteering on the Cadet Programme, whilst simultaneously progressing in her college studies by enrolling onto Level 2 Military & Emergency Services. As a Cadet Programme participant, Ruby learnt a wealth of knowledge about a range of policing topics such as county lines, dog handling and police drones, which have perfectly complemented the modules on her college course about theoretical concepts of crime and criminal behaviour. She has also had the opportunity to give back to the local community and participate in exhilarating residentials, all of which are experiences that have fully supported her to develop her confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. Ruby feels that the last two years have wholly reinforced her passion for working in the police force someday, pursuing a career that helps others and ultimately makes a positive difference to society.
Last month, Ruby and her family were invited to an inspiring graduation ceremony at Cheshire Constabulary Headquarters to celebrate her, along with her fellow Cadets, passing out of the programme. In the presence of a number of esteemed guests from the police, it was here that Ruby’s commitment and natural talents were recognised, as she received the prestigious award of ‘Most Improved Cadet 2022-2023’.
Following an invaluable year of volunteering and studying, Ruby is now looking forward to progressing onto the Level 3 Military & Emergency Services course at college in September, furthering her knowledge and skills to fully prepare for a career in this rewarding sector. Reflecting on the last few years after school, Ruby said: “Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be here without my tutors. My time at college has helped me to get on the right career path and explore many different opportunities to grow as a person. Both college and cadets have pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me resilience – to never give up and keep pushing for the life that you want.”
Ruby’s tutors have witnessed her phenomenal growth first-hand over the last two years, and could not be more proud or overjoyed that she has received this exceptional, and truly well-deserved, accolade. The college has no doubt that Ruby will flourish into a remarkable civil servant in the future and know that this is just the beginning of a fulfilling career.
Feeling inspired? The college is still accepting applications for military & emergency services courses starting in September 2023. Find out more here: https://wvr.ac.uk/subject-areas/sport-military-emergency-services
