Reality Check, whilst we appreciate that you may have watched TV programmes such as CSI, Waking the Dead and numerous documentaries about forensic collision investigators and how glamorous, sexy, thought provoking and interesting conversation pieces they appear to be and how better to impress your friends should you become a forensic investigator.

In reality, unless you are a retiring Police Collision Investigator or you are leaving University after 4 years on completion of a Forensic Science Degree, the opportunities for civilians with limited knowledge to become employed as forensic investigators of any kind, is about the same odds as winning the jackpot on the lottery.

We do, cover the very basic of forensic calculations and principles in our course, but to advertise our course as forensic, allowing you to believe that you could be employed as a forensic investigator on the basis of that knowledge, would be very misleading.

Stop & Think! Anything worth having in life you have to work for, there are no shortcuts! Our course is the only one of its kind in the country which offers a national qualification allowing you to learn several disciplines which gives you the opportunity to get your foot on the very first rung of that ladder in your new career.

We have a very simple philosophy here at Amalgam, Honesty, Integrity & Transparency, some people do not like to hear the truth, we are aware of claims made by other companies as to the integrity of our company or the integrity of our qualifications, we believe in professionalism and ploughing our resources into increased opportunities for successful candidates of our course based on hard work on both sides.

This is an investment in a new career, which is sometimes based on a leap of faith; it is not a get rich quick scheme!

If you were about to purchase a new car for thousands of pounds, you would take it for a test drive first. Why not book on one of our free, no obligation seminars which will tell you the truth about investigation today and the opportunities for new people with limited knowledge entering the industry, you may not like what you hear, at least it gives you an opportunity to make an informed decision about your new career based on facts.

What have you got to lose? A morning of your time a few pounds in petrol and if its not for you everything to gain, a few extra thousand still sitting in your bank account.

Places are limited, so call our friendly candidate support team NOW! On 01636 614560 / 561.

Exploring Forensics

The forensic community is very small and forensics in Incident Investigation / criminal investigation is a highly skilled discipline and requires many years of dedicated training and is largely the domain of forensic teams made up of serving Police Officers within Police Forces or Ex-Police Officers or registered forensic practitioners acting for defence solicitors.

It is not a discipline which can be taught in a few days that will lead to a career as a forensic investigator or forensic accident investigator. The opportunities for civilians to become Forensic Investigators are extremely limited and the likelihood is that you would have to study for a degree in forensics at university and at least for many years.

Entry routes

The FSS operates a trainee forensic science (reporting officer) scheme. Applicants need a minimum of a good honours degree (at least a 2:2), or equivalent professional qualification, in a scientific subject, preferably in a biology or chemistry-related subject. As the competition to enter this field is so fierce, many applicants have also gained a postgraduate qualification, eg a relevant MSc or postgraduate diploma in forensic science. It is also an advantage to have relevant laboratory-based work experience.

The minimum entry to a degree course is usually two A levels, including science subjects, and five GCSEs (A*-C), including maths and English. Useful subjects at A level are mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. Alternative qualifications may be accepted, including a BTEC National Diploma or the International Baccalaureate. Many courses require more than the minimum. As entry requirements differ widely it is important to check with individual institutions. Those without the usual entry qualifications can take an Access course. Degree courses are usually full time for three or four years.

The Diploma in science (from 2011) may be relevant for this work.

It is not possible to progress beyond the role of assistant forensic scientist without a degree or equivalent professional qualification. In practice, most assistant forensic scientists have at least a first degree and many graduates enter at this level.

Due to the increasing popularity of forensic science as a career choice, the number of courses on offer has grown hugely in recent years and there are hundreds of degree courses in forensic science. These courses will not necessarily provide the skills needed for the job, so it is important to research the content of degree courses carefully.

The Forensic Science Society (FSSoc) accredits degree and postgraduate courses and those that are currently accredited are listed on its website. Forensic Skillsmark, developed by Skills for Justice and the FSSoc, is another accreditation programme for organisations offering forensic science.

A driving licence may be an advantage and good colour vision is important for some aspects of the work.

Training

The FSS training scheme lasts one-and-a-half years. Following successful completion trainees become forensic scientists and are given their own cases.

Most training is done on the job supplemented by specialist courses. Subjects can include fire investigation, courtroom and presentation skills, statement writing, interpretation skills and project management. Trainees may also attend expert witness courses.

The FSSoc offers practitioners the opportunity to study for specialist Professional Diplomas in crime scene investigation, document examination, fire investigation and firearms examination

Continuing professional development (CPD) is important to keep up to date with developments in the field.

Getting on

Forensic scientists with at least three years' relevant work experience and who hold relevant qualifications can apply for professional membership of the FSSoc. Assistant forensic scientists with relevant degrees may develop into court-going reporting officers and eventually may move into senior roles.

Some forensic scientists move into education as university lecturers or trainers. Others become self-employed forensic consultants.

There may be opportunities to work abroad.

Further information

The Forensic Science Service (FSS), Trident Court, 2920 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham B37 7YN. 0121 329 8444. Website: www.forensic.gov.uk

The Forensic Science Society (FSSoc), Clarke House, 18A Mount Parade, Harrogate HG1 1BX. 01423 506068. Website: www.forensic-science-society.org.uk

Skills for Justice, Centre Court, Atlas Way, Sheffield S4 7QQ. 0114 261 1499. Websites: www.skillsforjustice.com and www.skillsmark.co.uk

Amalgam Training and forensics

Our Road Traffic Collision investigation course is based on the Metropolitan Police City & Guilds Accident Reconstruction & Investigation course and covers the basics of forensics.

As it only represents a very small part of our overall work as an Incident, Fraud & Claims Investigator, we leave the more complex forensics to the professionals and that means many years of study and hard work.