Our Public Services course is designed to prepare you for the demands of a career in uniformed services, helping you build the confidence, resilience and practical skills needed to succeed in challenging environments.
Throughout the course, you will benefit from the knowledge and experience of staff who have worked in a range of public service roles, including the Army, Navy and other emergency (‘blue light’) services. Their real-world insight will enhance your learning and provide valuable industry context.
You will take part in a varied programme that combines classroom-based study with practical and outdoor activities. This approach allows you to develop key skills for public service careers while exploring important social issues, improving your fitness, participating in sport, and engaging in team-based challenges.
In addition, you will continue to develop your English and Maths through Functional Skills, alongside building your IT capabilities through online learning. These essential skills will support your coursework and prepare you for progression into further education, training or employment.
If you’re motivated, committed and ready to take the next step, this course will prepare you for further study, training, or a future career in the public services.
What you'll learn
You will gain a good understanding of the work and the roles of the uniformed public services and the qualities you need to join a service.
Leadership qualities and teamwork are a focus of the qualification.
As well as preparing you for your career, this diploma encourages you to understand the society in which we live.
The course covers:
- uniformed public services employment
- public service fitness
- public service skills
- driving and its relationship to the public services
- adventurous activities
- teamwork
- citizenship
How you'll learn and be assessed
The course combines classroom-based activities with learning through practical and outdoor activities. You will learn the roles of the uniformed public services and how they link to the community and the government.
You take part in team-building exercises during residential camps and may undertake GCSEs in either English or maths.
Everyone learns functional skills so you have the opportunity to achieve a qualification. You also need to participate in voluntary community work as part of the citizenship unit.
You will develop communication skills, self discipline and teamwork through classroom and practical outdoor camps in preparation for employment in the uniformed public services, or for progression to the extended diploma.
This diploma is based on continuous assessment.
This qualification consists of six units. Each one is marked and assessed as coursework.
Practical work and training play a large part in the course.
Residential periods are mandatory and provide the opportunity to link theory with practice.
Types of learning activities include:
- practical, group-work activities
- putting learning into practice
- Visits and residential trips (these carry an additional cost payable when you start)
- You may be required to do weekend and evening activities
- visits from uniformed public services professionals
Entry requirements
You need to have 2 GCSEs at grade 2 or above including Maths and English or a relevant level 1 qualification at Merit or above
