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L3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services FT

Location Chesterfield College
Start date 08 Sep 2025
Type Full-time Provision
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This course provides the ideal stepping stone into a whole range of exciting careers within the public sector, including the Armed Services, Prison and Probation Services as well as the Police Service. Our strong links with the Armed Services enable you to take part in relevant visits and activities during your course, giving you a valuable insight into the kind of skills and attributes you will need to develop, in order to progress into your chosen career might include.

On this course you’ll have the opportunity to go on an educational residential that resembles life in a Uniformed Service. You’ll also experience careers talks, get access to visiting speakers from industry to update your knowledge and there will be opportunities to volunteer with the Uniformed Services to develop the skills needed for employment.

You will get the opportunity to research some of the most interesting and relevant subjects and issues on the national and international agenda and gain an insight into the entry requirements and selection processes required for entry into all of the main emergency services. Your lessons will be taught by tutors who have served across a range of public services who will enable you to understand your subjects at an operational level to bring each element to life using real life examples.

Fitness is also a major element of our public services courses, preparing you well for the Armed Services or Police Services selection assessments you may eventually have to undertake. You will need a good standard of English to communicate with members of the public and peers and will develop the ability to write-up notes and reports.

The timetable for this course runs over 3-4 days per week. A typical day will start at 9 am and finish at around 4.30pm and students will have between 2-4 lessons each day. Timetabled maths and English study will be compulsory for students who have not yet achieved a grade 4.

Course Structure

You will learn and develop the important interpersonal skills associated with the services, such as communication, collaboration and giving and receiving orders and direction. You will learn the importance of teamwork, leadership and the different approaches to problem-solving. Maths skills will be developed for map and compass, navigation and for planning team expeditions and night-exercises and overnight residential activities that take place.

Every student will be required to undertake some form of work experience or work experience related activities, these are usually undertaken during the residential activities that are organised by the staff in the Public Service department. The residential activities organised are challenging, fun and exciting but more importantly will give you as a student some real insight into the day to life for the staff in the uniformed public services.

Units you will study on this course include (please be advised that some units may change):

  • Prepare for a career in a chosen uniformed service
  • Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Understanding discipline in the uniformed services
  • UK legal systems and uniformed services
  • Collaboration between uniformed services
  • Emergency planning and response in the uniformed services
  • Uniformed services hierarchy and routine

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above with one being in either English or maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Assessment methods

This course is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels and will be assessed through course work. Students will undertake a range of assessment methods to achieve the qualification. Students will write assignments, essays, conduct practical demonstrations, take part in table top exercises and work together in group activities.

Fees and funding

Free for Eligible 16-18 year olds otherwise Adult Learner Loans available, costs apply.

Progression

Upon successful completion of this course you can progress to the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Services (Armed Forces and Emergency Services).

Attendance

Daytime

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