The end of the school year is three weeks away. Those Year 10 students finishing their high school education have another employment option as the NSW Government today announced that it is establishing a new Cadet Traineeship Program to equip young, aspiring police officers with the skills, training and experience to join the NSW Police Force.

The 12-month Cadet Traineeship Program will give school leavers and young adults hands-on experience and early exposure to policing culture, values and expectations.  

Cadets will complete 12 months of field-based learning, rotating through four placements, including six months in general duties, two months with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, two months with the detectives unit and two months with the crime prevention unit.

At the end of the 12 months, cadets will obtain a Certificate III in business and be able to apply to undertake further study and training at the Goulburn Police Academy.  

Entry requirements include:  

• The applicant must be 16 years old to apply, 17 years old to commence the program.  
• School leavers – must have completed year 10. 
• Must pass physical, medical and psychometric testing and baseline vetting. 

The first NSW Police Force Cadet Traineeship Program will begin on 7 April 2026 as a pilot in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command. 

Cadets will also obtain first aid and aquatic sequence rescue training. 

They will wear a distinct uniform to differentiate them from other officers and will not have access to weapons.  

More information can be found here. 

While there is still more to do, that work includes:  

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers. 
• Establishing an historic scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF. 
• Establishing the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting. 
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join the NSWPF. 
• Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSW Police Force. 

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said, “Policing is one of the toughest jobs in our community. The stakes are high but the reward – the pride of serving your community and making a real difference is unmatched. 

“Just as some choose to go to university or pick up a trade, the Cadet Traineeship Program gives young people the chance to experience life in the NSW Police Force. 

“These cadets are not just trainees, they are the next generation of NSW Police officers.  

“While there’s more to do, we’re rebuilding the NSW Police Force into a modern organisation that reflects and protects the community it serves.  

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon said, “I’m very happy to be able to announce the commencement of the Cadet Traineeship Program for school leavers and young adults,” Commissioner Lanyon said.  

“Cadets will be exposed to policing culture, values, and expectations, by structured mentorship and support to build confidence and resilience resulting in a smoother transition into the NSWSPF. 

“We hope the program will attract diverse talent and encourage school leavers to pursue a career filled with opportunity and purpose.”