Public Services Diploma – Level 2

Required qualifications

• 4 GCSE’s Grade 3 (D) or above, OR
• Level 1 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. You will also be enrolled on to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Bronze level.

The course is made up of core and specialist subject areas which are outlined below.

The core units are:

• Investigate Employment in the Uniformed Services
• Physical Fitness for the Uniformed Services
• Develop Team Working and Problem Solving Skills
• Health and Safety in the Uniformed Services
• Health & Hygiene in the Uniformed Services
• Follow Uniform Service Routine
• Exploring Equality and Diversity for the Uniformed Services

The specialist units are:

• Carry out Map Reading and Navigation – this also forms part of your DofE award which is run as part of your course.
• Undertake Adventurous Activities

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

Upon successful completion of this course it can allow progression to the Level 3 Public Service study programme, where subjects will be studied in greater detail (to ‘A level’ equivalent standard) allowing the opportunity to gain UCAS points for university courses.

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 40 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.

DofE – As part of your DofE you will also be required to complete a Volunteering placement which you need to complete outside of your college days. This a minimum of 1 hour per week over the time period agreed with your tutor.

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.