Public Services Level 2

If you’re interested in a career in the public services, this course will help you develop the knowledge, fitness, discipline and teamwork skills needed for your next steps.

You’ll explore what it takes to work in organisations such as the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Armed Forces, Prison Service, Border Force and other government and public-sector organisations.

The course combines classroom learning with practical activities, fitness and teamwork. You will study topics including:

• Careers in the uniformed services – explore different careers, recruitment processes and the skills and qualities employers look for
• Physical fitness – develop your fitness and learn about the physical demands of working within the uniformed services.
• Teamwork and problem solving – take part in practical challenges that develop communication, cooperation, leadership and decision-making.
• Health and safety – understand how to identify risks and work safely within public-service environments.
• Health and hygiene – explore how personal health and hygiene contribute to wellbeing and professional standards.
• Uniformed service routine – experience elements of the discipline, structure and routines expected within uniformed organisations and develop your leadership skills.
• Equality and diversity – understand the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion within modern public services.
• Telecommunications – explore how communication systems and technology are used within the uniformed services.
• Volunteering – explore volunteering opportunities and how they can help you develop experience and employability skills while supporting your local community.

You’ll also have opportunities to take part in practical, outdoor and adventurous activities. These could include navigation, water sports, climbing, winter activities and camping, as well as drill, teamwork challenges, trips and visits linked to the uniformed services. Activities will vary throughout the course.

You will complete 35 hours of work experience and take part in social action projects, helping you develop your communication, teamwork, reliability and professional skills.

You’ll also have opportunities to engage with professionals from the uniformed services through careers events, guest speakers, visits and employer experiences.

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of coursework, practical activities, presentations, research and demonstrations of your skills.

There is a strong practical element to the course, meaning you won’t spend all your time in the classroom. You’ll have opportunities to put your learning into practice throughout the course.

Your lessons and assessments could include:

• Practical fitness sessions and physical challenges
• Drill and uniformed service routines
• Teamwork and problem-solving exercises
• Outdoor adventurous activities
• Navigation and practical challenges
• Group work and presentations
• Individual research and coursework
• Scenario-based activities
• Careers and recruitment activities
• Visits, guest speakers and employer engagement

You’ll be assessed on both your knowledge and your ability to apply what you have learned.

You’ll work independently as well as in teams, giving you opportunities to develop your communication, confidence, organisation and problem-solving skills.

Your tutors will provide regular feedback to help you understand what you are doing well and where you need to improve.

Successfully completing this course can open the door to further study and help you take another step towards a career in the uniformed and public services.

A key progression route is the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services. Progressing to Level 3 will allow you to develop your knowledge and skills further and explore more advanced areas of the uniformed services, leadership, fitness, outdoor activities, government and professional development.

You may also be able to progress to other relevant Level 3 programmes, depending on your career ambitions and entry requirements.

The knowledge and skills you develop can help prepare you for future careers in areas including:

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

The course will help you understand the recruitment processes, expectations and skills associated with different careers, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your future.

For many students, Level 2 is a stepping stone towards Level 3 and ultimately towards their chosen career or further study.