Kelly Maze: Apprenticeship Program Coordinator- KSPApprenticeship@ky.gov 

Apprenticeship Eligibility

Our apprenticeship program is for young adults who aspire to join the Kentucky State Police Troopers but are in the “gap years” between graduating high school and the 21 year of age requirement to become a Trooper. Below are the criteria to apply to become an apprentice here at KSP.

• Must be 18 to apply

• Be a high school graduate

• Be ready to work hard and learn about our agency

About the Apprenticeship

The Kentucky State Police Apprenticeship Program is a 2 year program that is designed to teach young adults the trade of either Telecommunications of Commercial Vehicle Inspections as well as providing an opportunity to job shadow many different aspects of our agency and earn credits towards their Associates Degree. In year one of the program, an apprentice will complete on the job training as a Commercial Vehicle Inspector or as a Telecommunicator while learning about the many different avenues of specialization the agency offers. In year two of the program, apprentices will complete 600 hours of job shadowing in the aforementioned specializations. Some of the areas an apprentice will shadow in year 2 two are listed below:

• Canine Branch

• Electronic Crimes

• Post Level Operations

• Special Response Team

Cadet Unit

The cadet unit provides a means of diverting certain non-emergency calls for service from the beat officer to police cadets for completion. These calls do not require the presence of a sworn officer at the scene. Cadets may handle these calls either by phone or by appointment; whichever provides more convenience to the complaint or victim. This system of handling lower calls for service provides more patrol coverage for the citizens by permitting beat officers to respond to higher priority and emergency calls in a more timely manner.

Cadet Employment Requirements and Benefits

• Cadets are to be 18 years of age or above.

• The applicant must pass a background check and successfully complete an oral interview to be considered for employment.

• Applicants that complete the process and are hired by the police department receive:

  • Base salary for the cadet position as determined by the city pay scale.

  • Paid holidays off.

  • Four hours vacation per month.

  • Four hour sick leave per month.

  • Issued uniforms for the position.

Cadet Assignment and Duties

• Cadets are scheduled for 20 duty hours per week.

• The Cadet Unit’s hours are determined by supervision based upon peak times for calls for service.

• Cadet duties consist of but are not limited to receptionist, parking enforcement, park ranger, speed trailer deployment, pawn ticket details, substitute school crossing guard as well as assisting with special events and major incidents.

Ride Along Program

The ride-along program affords Cadets the opportunity to ride on patrol with a Bowling Green Police Officer. Cadets receive the opportunity to experience the job of a police officer first hand. During ride-alongs, Cadets are in uniform and assist patrol officers in a variety of different ways.