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Free Level 1 Uniformed Services Course in Southend-on-Sea

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Entry to the Uniformed 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 residents under 19 years old who are not in employment.

Over 12 months, you'll explore how the public services work and what it takes to join them. Units cover fitness, emergency planning, security procedures, navigating a map, working with others, and mental and physical wellbeing. You'll also build employability skills that transfer across many workplaces. Students are expected to wear a uniform to college. If you haven't yet achieved a grade 4 in English or maths, the college will support you alongside this course.

You'll finish with an NCFE Level 1 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services.

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 learn how uniformed services are organised and what they do.
  • You'll take part in fitness activities and develop your physical wellbeing.
  • You'll practise navigating a map and responding to incidents.
  • You'll carry out security searches and learn security procedures.
  • You'll study emergency planning and land-based activities.
  • You'll explore values and standards expected in the public services.
  • You'll develop skills in working with others and being organised.
  • You'll research topics and build a personal progression plan.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and fitness units. Assessment is by a portfolio of evidence you build throughout the year. You'll also attend an interview and a transition event as part of the entry process. Students wear a uniform to college, and clothing suitable for fitness sessions is required.

What you will need to bring

You'll need pen and paper for classroom sessions. Bring clothing suitable for fitness and sports units. The college will tell you which uniform items to get before you start. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need ahead of your first day.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, enforces the law and supports communities.
  • Firefighter, responds to emergencies and keeps people safe.
  • Prison officer, maintains safety and order in custody settings.
  • Community support officer, assists police in local neighbourhoods.
  • Military recruit, serves in the Army, Navy, or Royal Air Force.
  • Border Force officer, manages entry points and customs checks.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Public Services, the natural next step after this course and available at the same college.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Public Services, moves you closer to direct applications for roles such as police officer or firefighter.
  • Apprenticeships in the emergency services or the armed forces, where you earn while you train.
Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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