Public Services Level 3

If you’re serious about a future in the uniformed public services, this course will help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and experience needed to progress towards your chosen career.

You’ll explore careers across the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Armed Forces, Prison Service, Border Force and wider government and public-sector organisations.

The course combines classroom learning with fitness, leadership, practical activities, outdoor adventure, teamwork and work experience. You’ll be challenged to develop your confidence, resilience, decision-making and professional skills.

You will study topics including:

• Career preparation – explore your chosen uniformed service, recruitment processes and the skills needed to succeed
• Physical fitness – develop your fitness and understand the physical demands of entering the uniformed services.
• Leadership skills – develop your ability to lead, motivate and support others.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion – understand the importance of equality and inclusion within modern public services.
• Hierarchy, routine, values and standards – explore the structures, expectations, values and professional standards of uniformed organisations.
• Mental and physical wellbeing – understand how to maintain wellbeing in demanding environments.
• Discipline – develop your understanding of discipline and professional conduct within the services.
• Land and water-based outdoor activities – develop practical skills through outdoor and adventurous activities.
• Navigation and map reading – develop skills to navigate safely across open country.
• Telecommunications and ICT – explore how communication systems and technology are used within the uniformed services.
• Government, international organisations and the media – examine their influence on uniformed services.
• Collaboration between uniformed services – understand how different organisations work together.
• War and conflict – explore the impact of war and conflict on uniformed services.
• Security procedures – develop an understanding of security procedures within the services.
• Volunteering – explore how volunteering can support communities and develop professional skills.

Throughout the course, you’ll take part in practical, outdoor and adventurous experiences, which could include navigation, climbing, water-based activities, camping and visits or experiences linked to the uniformed services.

All students will have the opportunity to work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, developing skills through volunteering and charity work, physical activity, skills development, expeditions and residential experiences.

You will complete 35 hours of work experience as part of your study programme, helping you develop your confidence, communication, teamwork, CV and professional skills in a real working environment, as well as giving back to your community.

You’ll also have opportunities to engage with employers and professionals, helping you develop a realistic understanding of different careers and what is expected in the workplace.

You’ll be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical assessments, research, presentations, written assignments and demonstrations of practical skills.

Lessons and assessments can include:

• Practical fitness and training, such as the bleep test and bodyweight exercises mirroring those used in the services
• Leadership and teamwork activities
• Outdoor and adventurous activities
• Navigation and practical challenges
• Scenario-based activities
• Individual and group coursework
• Presentations and practical demonstrations
• Careers and recruitment preparation
• Employer engagement and visits

As you progress through the course, you’ll be expected to become increasingly independent and responsible for your own learning and development.

You’ll have opportunities to apply your knowledge to realistic public-service situations while developing your leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making and professional skills.

Your tutors will provide regular feedback to help you understand your strengths, improve your performance and prepare for your next step.

• Police Service
• Fire and Rescue Service
• Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines
• Prison Service
• Border Force
• Government and local authority roles
• Voluntary and third-sector organisations

You’ll learn about different recruitment processes, career pathways and professional expectations, helping you understand what is required for your chosen service.

The course can also support progression to higher education. Potential areas of further study include:

• Uniformed and Public Services
• Policing
• Criminology
• Criminal Justice
• Security
• Sport and exercise-related programmes

By the end of the course, you’ll have practical experience and a broader understanding of the uniformed services, helping you make informed decisions about your future career or further study.