Start Date
- September 2023, Full Time
Summary
This course offers a preparation for a career in the uniformed services such as the Police, emergency fire services, security, prison services or the armed services. It also provides the qualifications required to progress onto a higher level of study at Level 3.
You will gain an insight into the various careers within the public services, what they involve and personal qualities required so that you will be able to make a good choice for your next step. We have close links with Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Armed Forces and other public sector organisations and the course includes regular visits, guest speakers and an annual Public Services careers fair.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in residential trips and development days with the Armed Forces involving field craft (the skill to move undetected), assault courses, team activities, workshops and talks to give you a good understanding of the various job roles and fitness levels required.
Course units may include:
- Investigate employment
- Physical Fitness
- Equality Diversity
- Health and hygiene
- Following service routines
- Adventurous Activities
- Land Navigation
- Developing team work
Personal development is also an important aspect of the course to improve your self-confidence. You will develop a range of essential skills in communication, team work, leadership skills, problem solving and presentation skills that are transferable across a wide range of career choices.
This course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical activities, outside visits and visiting specialist speakers from the public services. There is approximately 30% practical activity and 70% classroom based work.
Why our college?
Industry standard facilities
At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.
Gain real experiences of work
All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.
A unique student experience
This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSE's at Grade 3 and above including English Language at Grade 3 or above OR BTEC Level 1 Diploma at Merit or above and Functional Skills level 1 in Maths and English (minimum).
You should be prepared to participate in the physical and practical elements of the course which may include warm up activities, team sports, adventurous activities such as canoeing and fitness assessments.
In addition to your main programme, you will study English and Maths. Depending on your grades on entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs English and Maths. Please check our English and Maths page for further information
Objective
Your level of fitness will improve through team sports, canoeing, climbing, off-road biking at Eaton Vale. Many of uniformed services require a certain level of fitness and you will learn how to improve this for entry.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods for internally assessed mandatory and optional units. Assessment methods could include assignments, research projects, presentations, role plays, group discussions and participation in team activities.
Progression
After successfully completing the course at Merit or above, achieved a grade 4 or above in English Language and/ or maths and good references you could progress onto the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services.
Alternatively, you may choose to seek employment or a relevant apprenticeship.
Career Progression
The Public Services mainly involve working for the Police, Fire and Rescue services, prison service as well as the Armed Forces. All of these careers are in the public sector, which is also includes jobs in the courts, local councils, schools and national government.
In many jobs in the public sector, you can make a positive impact on society and your local community. Providing you meet their entry requirements, some of which have age restrictions, you can enter employment with the Public Services sector after completing this course.
For further information on specific job profiles please check the National Careers Service website for;
- Police Officer
- Army Solider Officer
- Firefighter
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
In addition to this there will be costs for a uniform, approximately £50 and trips. Financial support could be available depending on your circumstances.
Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.
