If you are studying at Havering Sixth Form:
The Public Services courses are designed to make you a more attractive candidate for employment in many of the uniformed public services such as the Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service, British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, or Prison Service.
The course will help you to look past the initial marketing and enable you to make informed decisions about your future career choices.
You will be studying a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Preparation for Public Services, which is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at Grade 4. There is possible progression onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma with the achievement of a Merit grade.
You will be studying the core units of:
- Public Service Skills and Support for the Community
- Employment in Uniformed Public Services
In addition, you will be studying a range of topics including teamwork, emergency incidents, volunteering, navigation and health and fitness.
Your Public Services element will involve classroom sessions for approximately 80% of your timetable - this could be formal lectures, workshops, taking notes, discussions, individual research, or coursework. We include as much practical activity as we can, and this could be fitness training, sports activities, or practical activities such as navigation exercises.
What about trips, visits and costs?
There are two compulsory residentials on each year of the Public Services courses. One of which is our overnight induction camp which takes place in the first two weeks of college. You will also have a course specific residential each year that may last up to a week.
All students are required to purchase uniform but no other specialist equipment, other than possibly some camping gear, is required.
The total cost the trips changes from year to year but should not exceed £180 for Level 2. There may be financial support available to students, which is organised through the bursary scheme. For further information about financial help, please visit our bursary page.
Do I have to wear uniform?
We wear a uniform once a week and also on special occasions, where it is compulsory for students to wear their Public Services uniform. The uniform consists of black cadet boots (Approximately £28), black trousers (students' own) and black T-shirt (Approximately £12). This will be sourced once you start the course.
If you are studying at Epping Forest campus:
Are you thinking about working in the public services? Have you looked past the initial publicity about the jobs available? This qualification will prepare you for a career in Public Services, or progression to further study.
The public services offer a wide range of job opportunities. Some services are uniformed but many more are non-uniformed. Most jobs available in the private sector have an equivalent role available in the public services.
This qualification includes three mandatory units that form the fundamental knowledge and understanding of public service principles:
- Unit 1: The Role and Work of the Public Services
- Unit 2: Working Skills in the Public Service Sector
- The Certificate includes a choice from optional specialist units, thereby providing an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the public services sector
