BTEC First Diploma in Public (Uniformed) Services

This one-year course is designed to cater for school leavers or other new entrants who are keen to keep themselves fit and who have an interest in progressing into the public and uniformed services. Students will be expected to have some experience of personal involvement in activities such Scout, Guides and/or youth service activities of the various uniformed services. The course is designed to provide a realistic expectation of a career in these areas.

The course is very practical and allows students to experience a wide variety of sports, fitness training and outdoor activities. It provides links to a variety of further qualifications should students decide not to enter one of the services upon completion.

The course includes the following subjects:

Core units

  • Uniformed public service employment
  • Public service skills
  • Uniformed public service fitness

Specialist units

  • Adventurous activities and teamwork
  • The value of sport and recreation in public services
  • Land navigation
  • Community and cultural awareness
  • Expedition skills

Additional skills and qualifications

When your learning agreement is discussed with your tutor early in the first term, you will be advised of extra skills and qualifications, which are built into the course programme.

You will complete a key skills award and secondary learning goals, which are selected on the basis of their importance to the industry/career in which you are interested. This will contribute to your employability and enhance your CV.

During the course there will be opportunities to obtain a range of skills, qualifications and experience, for which some additional fees may be payable.

These could include:

  • RYA Dinghy Sailing Awards
  • BCU Kayaking Stars
  • Duke of Edinburgh Awards
  • First Aid Qualification
  • Sports Leaders’ Award

It is recommended that applicants set aside approximately £100 for additional subsidised NGB training / certification fees and off-site activities / trips.

There also may be opportunities to undertake instructor / leader training in some sports and outdoor activities, dependant on demand, age and standard achieved.

Course equivalence

This course, completed at Pass Level is equivalent to four GCSE's at B,B,C,C grades and at Distinction level is equivalent to A,A,A*,A* grades.

Progression / career prospects

The opportunities for trained personnel in the uniformed services, youth leadership, sport fitness and outdoor education are growing and most employment takes place within the following environments:

  • Public and armed services
  • Sports / leisure centres
  • Schools, colleges and universities

You can also progress onto the

  • BTEC National Diploma in Outdoor Activities, Coaching, Development & Fitness, or
  • BTEC National Diploma in Public (Uniformed) Services.

Preferred entry requirements

You may be accepted directly after leaving school or after a gap year. Applications from mature entrants are also welcomed.

You will not be required to have had any previous experience in the industry but will be expected to demonstrate a strong interest in sport or outdoor activities.

All applicants should offer good references and should have completed their GCSE’s or equivalent.


< Return to Results


Course Facts at a glance:

Duration:

1 Year

Tutor:

Conrad Ainsley, Cert. Ed.