BTEC Level 1 Public Services Course in Loughborough. Classes run at Main Campus, full-time during the day. Fees may apply depending on your age and circumstances. Some learners aged 16 to 18 years old may be entitled to fee remission, and 19 or over learners may also be eligible. Contact the centre to find out what applies to you. This level 1 BTEC public services qualification covers personal skills, health and safety, and Functional Skills in maths and English. The course runs over one year. You'll also take part in visits to public service environments and hear from guest speakers working in the fire service, armed forces, and prison service. Assessment is by portfolio, with some practical elements.
Who this course is for
For students aged 16-18 or 16-24 with an approved Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP).
This course is designed to provide you with a wide range of knowledge and skills needed for a career in the public services.
The Level 1 course is aimed at school leavers who are seeking a broad academic and practical qualification, delivered in an adult environment. Not only is this course unique, interesting, and challenging; it also offers vocational tasking and visits to public service environments which, when combined with the main qualification, further enhance your goal of succeeding in your chosen career.
Entry requirements
GCSE English and Maths at grade 1/G or above and a successful interview
Able to show a capability to work at Level 1 and a clear interest in chosen subject
Demonstrates a commitment to learning
You must be motivated and able to take some responsibility for your own learning, as well as have a good record of school attendance.
All students will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to a career in a public service
What you will learn
You'll develop personal skills relevant to working in public services.
You'll study health and safety as it applies to public service roles.
You'll build your Functional Skills in numeracy and literacy at Level 1.
You'll learn about different public services, including the armed forces, fire service, and prison service.
You'll take part in outdoor activities and short expeditions to develop teamwork skills.
You'll visit public service environments to see how they operate in practice.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Main Campus, Loughborough, with full-time daytime attendance over one year. The course is split across two semesters. All units are assessed by portfolio and externally moderated. Some assessment is practical. You'll also take part in visits to public service bodies and hear from guest speakers from services including the Royal Marines, RAF, fire service, and prison service. You are required to wear a uniform for this course.
What you will need to bring
You will be required to wear a uniform for this course. Main Campus will confirm the uniform requirements and anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer (special constable) - voluntary frontline role to build experience
Firefighter - entry-level application to fire and rescue services
Army soldier - enlisted role across army regiments
Prison officer - custody and rehabilitation work in the prison service
Royal Navy rating - entry-level naval service role
RAF airman or airwoman - entry-level Royal Air Force role
Community support officer - supporting police in local communities
What you could study next
BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services - a natural next step, covering more advanced public service knowledge and skills.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths - strengthens your applications and meets entry requirements for many public service roles.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Public Services - the level most public service employers and armed forces look for at recruitment stage.
