Free Level 2 Public Services Course in Wigan. Classes run at Wigan and Leigh College, full-time during the day. You'll need a minimum of five GCSEs graded 3 to 9 or equivalent, including maths or English. The course runs for 35 weeks and covers the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the police, fire service, armed forces, and other public sector roles. You'll take part in activities, visits, and sessions with guest speakers from services including the RAF, Army, and Fire Service.
Who this course is for
If you are looking for a challenging career with lots of responsibility and high rewards then a public services course could be for you. You will gain the skills, knowledge and confidence for a career in the Fire Service, Royal Navy, Armed Forces, Customs and Excise or Police. Our courses have been designed with input from experts at the Police, RAF, Fire Services and the Army. You will experience life in the public services through a range of relevant activities, trips, visits and guest speakers. You will work with lots of professionals from the services, who help you build the skills to work in this diverse industry.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-3 or equivalent including maths or English.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of how the public services are structured and how they operate.
You'll build physical fitness and teamwork skills relevant to uniformed services.
You'll learn about the roles and responsibilities of the police, fire service, and armed forces.
You'll study citizenship, community, and the legal frameworks public services work within.
You'll gain practical experience through visits, trips, and activities linked to real service environments.
You'll develop communication and leadership skills used across public sector roles.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, full-time during the day. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC First is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and at least one externally assessed unit. You'll complete coursework tasks and projects throughout the year, with at least one exam or externally set assessment as part of the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Wigan and Leigh College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer (constable) - entry-level role in UK police forces
Firefighter - operational role with the fire and rescue service
Army soldier - entry-level role across army trades and corps
Royal Navy rating - junior enlisted role at sea or on shore
Customs officer - border and revenue enforcement work
Prison officer - custody and rehabilitation role in the prison service
RAF airman or airwoman - entry-level role across RAF branches
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National in Public Services - the natural next step, deepening your knowledge and strengthening applications to uniformed services or higher education.
Level 3 Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services - a more specialist route focused on the armed forces and emergency services.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Uniformed Services) - if you want to move into a degree in criminology, policing, or a related subject at university.
