This one-year College Diploma course introduces students to the role of the Public Services - from the Police, Prisons, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services to the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. Emphasis is placed on skills development at this level and so a supportive programme of maths and English is compulsory within the course.
Students on this course are expected to engage in supporting a range of community and regional events. This means that weekends will often be part of the academic timetable in order to fulfil work experience placements.
The course is designed for students with low-level GCSE grades or limited qualification achievements. It is essential that students show a commitment to maintaining high standards of behaviour and attendance and to meeting deadlines. Candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the application process. You are welcome to attend the Public Services Information Evenings held throughout the year for further details.
We expect students to have enthusiasm for helping the community and a commitment to improving their academic and vocational skills in order to progress to higher levels of study. Students need to be motivated to achieve their English and maths as this forms the majority of focus during their studies.
Further study
Taking a BTEC level 3 course in Public Services at Derby College has helped former Ilkeston student Josh Randall to prepare for an exciting life in the Royal Navy.Josh, who completed his basic training at HMS Raleigh last October, joins his first ship this summer and can't wait.Josh is from a military family (his dad was formerly in the army and his brother is currently a serving soldier) but had originally thought of doing something different when he left school.Finding out about the Royal Navy's careers in hydrography changed all that though and he applied to join the service shortly after leaving school.As a hydrographer, Josh will be involved in mapping seas and oceans – a role which combines his love of science, geography and global travel.Josh, who is now 17, is so pleased he took the Derby College course before embarking on his naval career.He found the BTEC gave him greater insight into what to expect in the armed forces and provided him with useful information on legal aspects, such as The Geneva Convention.It also taught him the importance of team leadership:
He said: "Leading a team when you're only 16 is a big ask, but the Derby College course gave me confidence and was great experience. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of joining the armed forces."