BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Public Services (Level 1)

The foundation course is designed to provide you with some essential underpinning knowledge of life in the public services. The course is largely theoretical but with some practical elements that focus on fitness and team building.

Entry Requirements:
Minimum entry will include at least 2 grade E passes, one of which is English Language.

Length of course: 1 year

You will learn about:
• Public services employment
• Introduction to fitness
• Personal effectiveness
• Diversity
• Social responsibility and citizenship
• Health and safety
• Map reading
• Team work
• Emergencies and incidents
• Employability skills

Each unit is taught by an experienced and knowledgeable member of staff. There will be additional sessions such as group and personal tutorials and key skills. You will also network with a variety of staff from the public and uniformed services, through guest speakers and visits to bases and establishments.

Progression:
Level 2

BTEC First Diploma in Public Services
(Level 2)

This course is an intermediate level course equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C and offers a mix of practical sessions with a number of theoretical lessons.

The course gives you the opportunity to network with a variety of services and personnel. You will have direct input from a number of different uniformed services, and have the opportunity to develop your communication skills. This is a practical course and the workload is reflected in this.

Entry Requirements:
4 GCSE passes at grade D, or BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Public Services. Other qualifications may be acceptable and will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Length of course: 1 year

You will study the following units:
• Uniformed Public Services employment
• Public Service skills
• Uniformed Public Service fitness
• Land navigation with map and compass
• The value of sport and recreation in the Public Services
• Adventurous activities and teamwork in the Public
   Services

Each unit is taught by an experienced and knowledgeable member of staff. There will be additional sessions such as group and personal tutorials and key skills.

Progression:
BTEC level 3 or apply for entry into the service of your choice.

BTEC National Award in Public Services (Level 3)

This programme is an advanced level course equivalent to 2 A levels and concentrates not only on practical skills such as map reading and physical fitness, but also on the theory behind such things as discipline and leadership.

You will participate in a number of exercises and activities designed to help you make the most of your career once you join the uniformed service of your choice. You will also have numerous opportunities to network with a variety of serving personnel from all of the uniformed services.

Entry Requirements:
4 GCSEs at grade C or above one of which must be English or Maths, or BTEC First Diploma in Public Services. Other qualifications may be acceptable and will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Length of course: 2 years

You will study the following units in year 1:
• Government, Politics and the Public Services
• Leadership
• Citizenship
• Uniformed Public Services employment
• Physical preparation
• Outdoor and adventurous expeditions

Each unit is taught by an experienced and knowledgeable member of staff and there will be additional sessions such as group and personal tutorials and key skills.

Students have an option to leave the course after 1 year with a BTEC National Award in Public Services (equivalent to 1 A Level) to pursue career choices.

Progression:
Higher Education or entry into the service of your choice