Level 2 BTEC Certificate in Preparation for Public Services Course in Ilkeston. Classes run at Derby College Broomfield Hall Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs over 36 weeks and covers leadership, emergency service incidents, and cyber security within the public services sector. Alongside the BTEC content, your timetable will include maths or English study to support your skills development. Entry requires most GCSEs graded between 3 and 4, with English or Maths at grade 3. You'll complete an interview and screening test before starting.
Who this course is for
This BTEC Level 2 Public Services study programme is designed for students with mid-level GCSE grades (3-4) who have achieved English and Maths at grade 3.Your study pathway will focus on the achievement and development of maths or English skills while covering concepts of leadership, emergency service incidents and cyber security within the Public Services. This programme has the option of a further year's study at this level to ensure the achievement of GCSE English or Maths, but students should aim to progress to the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services.Students will need to be focused on the completion of their skills programme in order to advance to higher level qualifications and to open up greater chances of employment. In both practical and theoretical settings, you will study what the Public Services can offer and where the employment growth markets are within the sector.Students on this course are expected to engage in supporting a range of community and regional events. This will mean that weekends will often be part of the academic timetable in order to fulfil work experience placements.
Entry requirements
You will need to complete an interview and screening test in maths and English. The entry requirements are for students with the majority of GCSEs graded between 3-4, with English or Maths at grade 3. Your individual timetable will be developed around your skills needs.You are expected to maintain high standards of discipline, punctuality and attendance. It is essential that you work to the deadlines set or you risk not achieving your programme of study.Practical sessions are compulsory, so you
What you will learn
You'll study leadership principles and how they apply in public service settings.
You'll explore how emergency services respond to and manage incidents.
You'll cover cyber security concepts relevant to public services.
You'll develop your maths or English skills as part of your timetable.
You'll build an understanding of discipline, teamwork, and professional standards expected in public services.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Derby College Broomfield Hall Campus, including practical sessions that are compulsory. Assessment is through the Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework, which uses coursework and assignments rather than traditional exams. Your individual timetable is built around your skills needs in maths and English alongside the public services content.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby College Broomfield Hall Campus 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 a fire and rescue service
Army soldier - entry-level role across British Army trades
Prison officer - custody and rehabilitation work in HMPPS
Paramedic (trainee) - stepping stone toward NHS ambulance roles
Security officer - front-line security and access control work
Border Force officer - passport and customs control at UK borders
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Public Services - the main next step if you want to go deeper into public services and strengthen your application to uniformed roles or university.
GCSE English or Maths - the programme includes an option for a further year to achieve GCSE English or Maths at grade 4, which many employers and further study routes require.
Level 3 Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services - a more specialist route focused on the armed forces and emergency services.
