Uniformed Public Services - Level 3

If your dream is to be in the armed forces or work for the UK’s emergency services, then the Level 3 Uniformed Public services course would be a good place to start. Designed to give you a broad understanding of the sector and various roles they play, it will give you the skill set that will make you a more attractive applicant. These are a range of subjects including; Government; Policies and public services; team Leadership; Citizenship; Team Development; and Understanding Discipline. In addition, you can select units in Diversity and the Public services as well as Physical Preparation and Fitness for the uniformed Services. With physical fitness in mind, our leaders take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and the Ten Tors competition and much more as part of the department’s comprehensive adventurous activities units. We aim to get you as involved as much as possible with real public service activities and events, ranging from Pre- Royal Marine Course training weeks, riot training with Gloucestershire police right through to multi- service emergency incident exercises. In the second year we will support the students in planning for their next steps- whether this is into Higher Education or starting the application process for their chosen public service. It is in this year that we expect to see the students start taking personal challenges- whether this is progressing onto their Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh award or working in the community as volunteers. ACF will also continue during this year. Our year 2 students will hold positions of rank within the Gloscol ACF Company.

The course has many practical activities and students must attend these sessions wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Students are required to attend the Army Cadet Force as part of the course.

To be considered for a place on this course, you should have achieved at least five GCSEs at grade A* to C (including English) or you should have already completed a Level 2 qualification in Public Services with a minimum merit grade. Learners who are progressing from Level 2 will also need a good college attendance record and have demonstrated a positive approach to work and achieving targets, plus completion of relevant functional skills. Mature learners will be assessed at interview and will require evidence of a good work record. Each prospective student will be invited in for an interview where you’ll get the chance to show your enthusiasm for the subject and give a short presentation about the reasons you want to enrol on a public services course. Finally you will be invited to an activity taster day to show how you work with other people All students wishing to progress onto year 2 of the course must have successfully completed all of the units from the first year of the course, have a satisfactory attendance and disciplinary record and have achieved associated qualifications set in year 1.

This course is the ideal way to start your dream career as a uniformed officer. Whether you have plans to be in the Armed Forces, Security Services or be a member of the Emergency Services, the choice is yours. You could also take your skills into general employment. A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to ‘A’ levels, so after you’ve completed the course, you may decide that university is for you. If so, you can apply for degree courses in subjects such as Public and Uniformed Services, Criminology, or Risk and Emergency Management.

Public Services Sophie Pottinger Ex-Student - Uniformed Public Services Level 3 Sophie, an ex Tewkesbury School pupil decided to study Uniformed Public Services at Gloucestershire College because she had heard good reviews about the college and liked the location. “I really loved the time I spent studying at Gloucestershire College. The course was active and fun and never disappointed. I would definitely recommend Uniformed Public Services at GC, it’s a great course with great staff who are hard working and willing to help in any aspect of the subject. I am currently working full time and training hard in order to pursue a career in the Fire Service.”

Kevin Pottinger Group Commander Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Kevin is an Operational Commander for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service which provides 24/7 emergency response for the county. Kevin also manages the Training and Development team and also the Risk Team, a team which ensures that the county risks such as historical buildings, industrial sites and the wider risks to the community are known to the staff as it is important that they all have information about the properties and incidents they could potentially attend. Kevin says: There are a number of ways that students can prepare themselves for a career in the Fire Service. They need to have a wide range of experiences and skills to support their role. Experience in other fields is also useful; in particular community work as understanding the community you support is very important. Sophie Pottinger - Former L3 Public Services Student Sophie, an ex Tewkesbury School pupil decided to study Uniformed Public Services at Gloucestershire College because she had heard good reviews about the college and liked the location. “I really loved the time I spent studying at Gloucestershire College. The course was active and fun and never disappointed. I would definitely recommend Uniformed Public Services at GC, it’s a great course with great staff who are hard working and willing to help in any aspect of the subject. I am currently working full time and training hard in order to pursue a career in the Fire Service.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details