What opportunities will this course give me?

The uniformed public services are essential services required by the country to protect the public. Careers in the public services are very popular and therefore the job market is very competitive. Recent changes have opened up increased opportunities for part-time employment within the armed forces due to the increase of Reservists. Police Officer roles are often selected from internal staff and therefore entry can require prior experience such as that of a Special Constable or PCSO. Fire & Rescue Service jobs are more readily available through the part time retained duty system or full time within larger cities.
Potential progression opportunities on completion of this course could be: emergency services Call Handler, Special Constable, PCSO and Community First Responder, entry to the armed forces or Military Preparation College. Entry to full-time front line roles will require the successful completion of services selection processes which include tests such as: physical, medical, academic and evidence of work related competencies which require personal experience of working with others and dealing with a variety of situations.
This course carry's UCAS points equivalent to 2 A Levels over a 1 year period and 3 A Levels over 2 year period. Uniformed Services such as the police and fire services require either a degree or working towards degree level. The optional second year would enable a learner, grade dependent to achieve sufficient UCAS points to apply for university.

What will I be learning?

Units studied vary from year to year but include subjects such as:
Careers, Leadership, Equality & Diversity, Fitness, Values & Standards, Navigation, Outdoor Activities, Land and Water activities, Conflict Management, Volunteering & Discipline.
Students who are accepted onto the programme without the relevant English or Maths GCSE grades will be required to retake these and follow a reduced Public Services programme.

Work experience will be carried out with the uniformed services including participating in mandatory training such as riot training and acting as casualties within a mock terrorist major incident.
During the course you will have direct contact with a range of uniformed public services through presentations, visits and activities. Recent examples include: a day with the Royal Marines, drill and radio exercises with the Army, a day at Eastleigh Fire Station, talks from the Royal Navy and the local PCSO and taking part in role play as a casualty for paramedic final assessments.

Why is this course for me?

This is an assessment based qualification where learners will complete approximately 4 internally set assignments per unit which are completed in accordance with strict guidelines and deadlines. Assessments are completed by the learner throughout the year and the resulting marks count towards their final qualification grade. The qualification can be awarded at Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*, depending on the combination of units undertaken and the consistency of quality in assessment completion.

Timetabled hours will in general be from 09.00 - 16.30 over 3-4 days per week, however these may change when offsite activities are taking place and there may be occasions when you will be required to stay overnight e.g. if completing a multi-day expedition. Applicants for this course need to be prepared to take an active role in a variety of outdoor and team activities as well as classroom based learning throughout the year. Offsite trips and activities form part of the course and attendance is mandatory. This is an academic qualification and has a significant amount of theoretical units therefore learners need to be self-disciplined, organised and prepared to study for approximately 8 hours a week outside of college time. This course carry's UCAS points equivalent to 2 A Levels over a 1 year period and 3 A levels over a two year period.

What do I need to sign up?

You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including English Language and Maths. A Level 2 BTEC Diploma at Distinction grade in a related subject may also be considered.

You must have a genuine interest in the public services, be committed to improving your fitness, be self-disciplined and prepared to study in your own time. You should also have good attendance and attainment reports from your previous school or college and complete a successful college interview demonstrating an interest and commitment to study as well as a passion for the career pathway. You need to be aware of the strict medical requirements of many of the uniformed public services, especially the armed forces (e.g. asthma may restrict entry) however this will not affect your application to this course. Please ask if you need any further information on this matter.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Fitness kit - shorts/tracksuit bottoms, sports trainers.
Study equipment - pens, highlighters, memory stick, headphones.

Desirable kit: walking boots and lightweight waterproof jacket

We will provide:
• Public Services Uniform - items and styles vary each year. Uniform is compulsory.
• Initial stationery items, not including pens
• Locker - £5 key deposit required

Course costs per year: 16-18 fully funded.
For learners aged 19+ the price is upon application only, and after receiving information, advice & guidance.
There will be a fee of £100 payable to the Public Service department to make a contributions towards the costs of uniform, trips such rock climbing, shooting and ski-ing, stationery, trips and activities undertaken over the year and. Financial support through the college may be available for low income households. Uniform will be allocated when this payment has been received. £5 cash deposit required for locker.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

PUBFE3

Need some further advice?

Contact the Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000.

The Equality Act

The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.