Public Services Diploma – Level 1

Required qualifications

• 4 GCSE’s Grade 2 (E) or above, OR
• Entry level qualification in a related subject
• Adequate standard of English and maths
• Mature learners with other qualifications and/or experience are also welcomed
• You should have a strong interest in working in the public services and demonstrate a commitment to succeed

Physical Requirements

You will be required to take part in practical and fitness sessions both indoors and outdoors. No particular standard of personal fitness is required at the commencement of the course, rather a positive attitude towards developing it.

What skills will I develop?

This course is an exciting mix of physical activity, classroom learning, special visits and trips. The course is made up of core and specialist subject areas which are outlined below.

The core units are:

• Investigate Employment Opportunities in the Uniformed Services
• Well-being and Physical Fitness for the Uniformed Services
• Team Working Skills in the Uniformed Services
• Health and Safety in the Uniformed Services
• Developing Self-Discipline for the Uniformed Services

The specialist units are:

• Participate in an Adventurous Activity
• Explore Volunteering and Volunteering Opportunities

In addition, you will learn skills that are required in any career choice, including health & safety, confidence building, social and practical skills, and English and Maths. We also offer English and Maths GCSE resits.

Careers

Once complete our Level 1 qualification the natural progression route will be onto our Level 2 programme, whereby you will enhance and develop the skills built at Level 1 towards preparing you for a career within the public services.

Additionally, there are opportunities to apply for some apprenticeship roles in HM Forces, fire and prison services. The Public and Uniformed Services Industries currently offers over 9,000 jobs within the West Midlands with an average salary of £21,023.

Work experience

All courses within the college require learners to complete work experience to further develop their skills, to support them in their chosen career. A minimum of 30 hours must be completed across the year in a placement agreed with your tutor. Some of these hours will be achieved by attending trips and visits with your course to learn more about the varied options of careers available in the public services.

English and maths

All learners who have not achieved a grade 4 in English and maths will be required to attend these lessons as part of their weekly timetable to support them in retaking their GCSE.

If you have achieved above these grades, although you will not attend formal lessons, English and maths skills are still developed in your Public Services lessons. These will be used to support you with written skills to help with assignment writing and also speaking and listening to support in the varied assessment methods used on the course, including discussions and presentations. Maths skills are also developed to support learners with map reading and analysis data including crime statistics.

Other important information

A uniform is required to participate in this course. Prices and details will be discussed at enrolment. Bursary funds may be available to help with additional costs. High standards of uniform are expected and are inspected regularly.

Learners will have the opportunity to participate in a number of trips whilst on the course. Costings will be shared by tutors per trip.