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BTEC Level 2 Public Services Course in Darlington

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. Fees apply for adults. Contact Darlington College for more info.

Apply now →

About this course

BTEC Level 2 Public Services Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old on 31 August when you start. If you are 19 to 23 years old, fees may apply.

The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Certificate in Preparation for Public Services covers the knowledge and skills needed to join a uniformed service. You'll study topics including fitness, teamwork, leadership, communication, and how the public services are structured and managed. The course runs over 34 weeks. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade D or above, including English, or a relevant Level 1 vocational qualification. You'll also attend an interview at the college.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Preparation for Public Services.

Who this course is for

The Level 2 Diploma in Public Services (QCF) is a qualification targeted towards learners interested in pursuing a career in one of the uniformed services.

Entry requirements

You will need 4 GCSE passes at 3 points or grade D and above, including English, or a Level 1 vocational qualification in a relevant subject area.

You will be required to attend an interview at the college and we will request a school or college report.

You will need to be determined, reliable and focused. Good communication and interpersonal skills are desirable but not essential as they will be developed throughout the course, along with fitness, leadership and teamwork.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how uniformed public services are organised and managed.
  • You'll develop teamwork and leadership skills through practical activities.
  • You'll build physical fitness as part of your preparation for service roles.
  • You'll practise communication and interpersonal skills used in public services.
  • You'll learn about the roles and responsibilities of services such as the police and fire service.
  • You'll study health, safety, and discipline as they apply in uniformed environments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and group work at Darlington College. Assessment is through assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll complete units covering the knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in the uniformed services.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, joins the police service after further training and assessment.
  • Firefighter, responds to emergencies as part of a fire and rescue service.
  • Paramedic or ambulance technician, provides emergency medical care, requires further training.
  • Prison officer, works in custody and rehabilitation within the prison service.
  • Army, Navy, or RAF recruit, enters the armed forces through service selection.
  • Border Force officer, works in immigration and customs at ports and airports.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC in Public Services, the next step if you want to go deeper into the subject before applying to a service.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services, a broader qualification covering emergency services and the armed forces.
  • Apprenticeship in a uniformed service, lets you earn while you train in a real service role.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →
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