Public Services Level 1

If you’re interested in a career where you can make a difference, work as part of a team and take on new challenges, this course could be for you.

You’ll get an introduction to the world of the Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces, Prison Service, Border Force and other uniformed and public-sector careers. You’ll develop your confidence, teamwork, discipline and practical skills while discovering what it takes to succeed in a uniformed public service.

Your course will include:

• Uniformed Public Services careers – explore different careers, recruitment processes and the opportunities available
• Fitness and wellbeing – improve your fitness and learn how physical and mental wellbeing can support a successful career.
• Teamwork – take part in challenges and activities designed to develop communication, cooperation and problem-solving.
• Self-discipline – develop the attitude, commitment and work ethic expected within the uniformed services.
• Health and safety – understand how to work safely and responsibly in a range of public-service environments.
• Outdoor adventurous activities – challenge yourself through practical outdoor activities.
• Volunteering – explore how volunteering can develop your experience, confidence and employability.
• Drill and display – develop discipline, teamwork, presentation and attention to detail, and take part in our Remembrance Parade.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in trips, visits and practical experiences, which can include outdoor activities, careers events, visits from uniformed services and experiences linked to the Police, Fire Service and Armed Forces.

Work experience is an important part of your study programme and gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in a real working environment.

You will complete 35 hours of work experience combined with social action projects and experience of work, allowing you to develop your employability skills and understand what employers expect from you.

Alongside your work experience, you’ll have opportunities to meet professionals and explore different careers across the uniformed public services.

You’ll be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical activities and demonstrations of your skills rather than relying solely on traditional exams.

Lessons are designed to be active, practical and engaging. You could find yourself:

• Taking part in fitness sessions and physical challenges
• Completing teamwork and problem-solving activities
• Participating in drill and display
• Taking part in outdoor adventurous activities
• Completing individual and group coursework
• Giving presentations to tutors or classmates
• Researching different uniformed service careers
• Completing practical tasks and activities
• Reflecting on your own performance and development
• Writing reports to develop your understanding of the public services

You’ll have opportunities to work both individually and as part of a team, helping you build confidence and develop the communication, leadership and teamwork skills required in the public services.

Your tutors will support you throughout the course, helping you understand what you need to do and how you can improve.

With a mixture of classroom learning and practical experiences, you’ll be able to learn by doing and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a variety of ways.

This course is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to progress towards a career in the uniformed public services.

After successfully completing the course, you could progress to:

• NCFE Level 2 Diploma in Uniformed Public Services here at Oldham College
• Other relevant Level 2 study programmes, depending on your career goals and entry requirements
• Further training and qualifications related to your chosen career

Progressing to Level 2 and then Level 3 can give you the opportunity to build your knowledge further and prepare for more advanced study, employment or higher-level qualifications.

The skills you develop can help prepare you for future careers in areas such as:

• Police Service
• Fire and Rescue Service
• Armed Forces – Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines
• Prison Service
• Border Force
• Local authority and government roles
• Voluntary and third-sector organisations

As you progress through your studies, you’ll have opportunities to learn more about specific careers and meet people working within the uniformed services.

Your tutors can also help you explore the entry requirements and recruitment processes for your chosen public service career.