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Free Level 1 BTEC Public Services Course in Southend-on-Sea

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diploma in Public Services Course in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time during the day. The course is free for UK learners under 19 years old who are not in employment. You'll study public services topics alongside employability skills, covering everything from fitness and emergency planning to security procedures and working with others. The course runs over 12 months. You'll need two GCSEs at grade 2 or above (including maths or English), or an Entry Level 3 qualification, and you'll attend an interview and a transition event.

Who this course is for

If you are thinking of a career in the public services sector, this course could be ideal for you. It is the perfect course to find out more about the public services and what you would need to know to join them.

The course will be a combination of public service and employability units to allow you to develop the transferable skills needed in the public services and day-to-day life.

Entry requirements

Two GCSEs at grade 2/grade E including maths or English, or An Entry 3 qualification, or equivalent Successful attendance at interview Successful attendance at transition event

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how uniformed public services are organised and what they do.
  • You'll develop fitness and take part in physical training relevant to public services roles.
  • You'll practise navigation, including reading and using maps.
  • You'll learn how to respond to incidents and carry out security searches.
  • You'll study emergency planning, crime, and mental and physical wellbeing.
  • You'll build employability skills such as working with others, being organised, and planning your progression.
  • You'll take part in adventurous activities and learn about values and standards in public services.

How you will learn

You'll be assessed through a portfolio of evidence built up during the course. This is classroom-based, full-time study with practical activities including fitness sessions, outdoor exercises, and group work. If you haven't yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or maths, the college will support you with Functional Skills or GCSE lessons alongside your main course. Students are expected to wear a uniform to college.

What you will need to bring

You'll need pen and paper for classroom sessions. You'll also need clothing suitable for fitness and sports units. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm uniform requirements and anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, community support officer, or special constable
  • Firefighter, applying to a fire and rescue service
  • Army, Navy, or RAF recruit entering the armed forces
  • Prison officer or custody support worker
  • Ambulance care assistant or emergency medical technician
  • Security officer or door supervisor
  • Border Force or customs officer

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Public Services. The natural next step after this course, going deeper into uniformed services knowledge and skills.
  • Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2. Useful if you want to meet entry requirements for Level 3 courses or employer applications.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Public Services. Opens routes into higher education or direct applications to uniformed services.
Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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