Course may be subject to change.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of the uniformed services sector, to allow you to explore the various avenues of work within it.
You will also gain transferable skills, such as leadership, coaching, conflict management, personal protection, teamwork, communication and navigation.
Entry Criteria
You will hold 4 GCSEs at grade 4-7 (A-C), including English Language and maths, or a relevant BTEC Level 2 qualification at Merit/Distinction.
Additional Costs
You will be expected to wear a uniform – this will cost approximately £23.
Additional costs for trips and visits will be approximately £30.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a course tutor to find out more about the course, discuss which course is right for you and see the facilities.
Please bring your GCSE grades/predicted grades or any other relevant qualifications.
Study Aims
The aim of this qualification is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the principles of the uniformed services sector and to allow you to explore the various avenues of work within it. It will also allow you to gain transferable skills that can be applied to the workplace or further study. The objectives of this qualification are to:
- Prepare you to progress to employment or further study and towards the entry qualifications and requirements of a specific uniformed service.
- Provide informed and prepared potential recruits.
This qualification aims to provide you with:
- An understanding of the uniformed public services sector.
- The opportunity to investigate career opportunities in the uniformed services.
- The ability to prepare for a recruitment interview.
- An understanding of the personal commitment and fitness requirements needed to be employed in a uniformed service role.
- An understanding of the external organisations that impact on and influence the work of the uniformed services.
- An understanding of how uniformed services organisations respond in emergency situations.
- The opportunity to understand and develop the skills and qualities needed to work in a range of uniformed services, e.g. leadership skills, coaching skills, conflict management, personal protection, teamwork, communication, navigation and drill.
Modules Studied
Core Modules:
- Prepare for a career in a chosen uniformed service
- Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services
- Develop leadership skills
- Equality, diversity and inclusion.
Optional Modules:
- Value and standards
- Carry out map reading and navigation across open country
- Telecommunications in the uniformed services
- Understanding discipline in the uniformed public services
- Crime scene investigation.
Teaching and Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used, including:
- Assignments
- Time-constrained assignments
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Observation of performance
- Reports
- Posters
- Factsheets
- Workbooks
- Discussions.
Information is up-to-date and current and allows for more diverse delivery.
Industry Links
We have a number of key links with public services employers, such as:
- Army
- Fire Service
- Police
- Prison Service
- RAF.
This is to ensure you have the chance to develop essential skills, for a rewarding career on the front line, such as teamwork, problem solving, communication, adaptability, fitness, health and safety.
Placement
You will be given the opportunity to take part in a meaningful work placement. You might not be able to attend all opportunities offered, therefore, are encouraged to source your own work experience. A work placement will allow you to develop the essential work related skills ready for entry to employment.
To assist in gaining experience of service life the following activities are available:
- Attend trips/visits to a range of public services
- Volunteering opportunities with organisations, such as the Forestry Commission and Hamsterley Trailblazers.
What else?
For the latest news, updates and careers information for the public services sector, visit the following websites: The Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Fire Service, Police, RAF, HM Prison Service , IOSH, HSE and Home Office
You could progress to a Foundation Degree in Public & Community Services at New College Durham after completing the second year of the Level 3 course.
