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Where will this course lead?

The National Extended Certificate is designed to prepare students for employment in public service roles and Higher Education. Modules cover a broad range of topics, subjects, and activities; our course caters for those who leave school looking to get into the emergency services or armed forces.

Delving into a varied mixture of theoretical tasks and practical activities, you will gain an understanding of a range of public service sectors as well as the effects these sectors have on our society.

What will I study?

- Citizenship and Diversity

- Behaviour and Discipline

- Teamwork, Leadership and Communication

- Expedition Skills

- Government and the Protective Services

- Physical Preparation, Health, and Wellbeing

- Introduction to Criminology

- Police Powers and the Law

How will this course be delivered?

Much of the time will be in the classroom learning a variety of subjects relating to the public services. However, you will also be active in attending outdoor recreation centres, participating in a range of sports, land-based and water-based activities.

What qualifications will I get?

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services (Year One). BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Year Two).

How will I be assessed?

To pass this course you will complete assignments throughout the year. Assignments will include project work, training sessions, essays and reports, role-plays and practical fitness and teamwork sessions. There will also be an exam for one unit in year one and one in year two.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places are offered by interview and attendance of induction and enrolment.

What are the entry requirements?

4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, ideally including Maths and English Language. If Maths or English is not achieved, then one of these can be retaken during the first year.

What else do I need to know?

Students are required to wear a uniform; information will be given on this once your place has been confirmed on the course. You will be expected to attend residential trips during the autumn term and various other day trips throughout the year, To ensure that students attend these necessary excursions there will be a fee of approx £200* (for students that do not meet the criteria for student finance support).

What can I do after this course?

After completing the Level 3 course, you can progress onto a higher-level qualification at university depending on your final grade and equivalent UCAS points. Solihull College & University Centre offers a HNC/HND in Public Services and Policing. You can also progress onto your Top Up Degree Year with us, Pathway in Policing.

Applications for the Police Service, Fire Service, Prison Service and Armed Forces.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A for 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

PUAAL014BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Senior Police Officer

Senior police officers plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the resources and activities of a specific geographical or functional area of generalised or specialised police work.

What’s Involved?

Police Officers liaise with senior officers to determine staff, financial and other short- and long-term needs. They plan, direct and co-ordinate general policing for an area or functional unit. They also direct and monitor the work of subordinate officers. They establish contacts and sources of information concerning crimes planned or committed. They direct and co-ordinate the operation of record keeping systems and the preparation of reports.

Firefighter

Workers in this unit group co-ordinate and participate in fire fighting activities, provide emergency services in the event of accidents or bomb alerts, and advise on fire prevention.

What’s Involved?

Firefighters inspect premises to identify potential fire hazards and to check that fire fighting equipment is available and in working order and that statutory fire safety regulations are met. They arrange fire drills and test alarm systems and equipment. They also travel to fire or other emergency by vehicle and locates water mains if necessary. They operate hose pipes, ladders, chemical, foam, gas or powder fire extinguishing appliances. They rescue people or animals trapped by fire and administers first aid. They also remove goods from fire damaged premises, clear excess water, make safe any structural hazards and take any other necessary steps to reduce damage to property. They attend and deal with bomb alerts and accidents involving spillage of hazardous substances. They advise on fire safety measures in new buildings. They also supervise a watch.

Police Officer

Police officers (Sergeant and below) co-ordinate and undertake the investigation of crimes, patrol public areas, arrest offenders and suspects and enforce law and order. Officers of the British Transport Police operate within the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

What’s Involved?

A Police Officer receives instructions from senior officers and patrols an assigned area on foot, horseback, motorcycle, motor car or boat to check security and enforce regulations. They direct and control traffic or crowds at demonstrations and large public events. They investigate complaints, crimes, accidents, any suspicious activities or other incidents. They also interview suspects, take statements from witnesses and stop, search and/or arrest suspects. They attend accidents. They prepare briefs or reports for senior officers. They work on station reception desk and or in communications room. They also give evidence in court cases.

Armed Forces Officer

Officers in armed forces serve as commissioned officers in Her Majesty's armed forces, foreign and Commonwealth armed forces; plan, direct, organise and administer military operations; and perform duties for which there is no civilian equivalent.

What’s Involved?

Armed Forces Officers advise and provide information on military aspects of defence policy. They plan, direct and co-ordinate military training and manoeuvres. They supervise the operation of military units and monitor the activities of junior officers, NCOs and other ranks. They also plan, direct and administer aid to civilian authorities as requested or when faced with civil disorder, natural disaster or other emergency.

Coast Guard

Coastguards monitor maritime conditions and undertake search and rescue operations.

What’s Involved?

A coastguard broadcasts information on weather and maritime conditions, monitors shipping and provides instruction to navigators. They receive distress messages, alert other appropriate rescue services and participate in search and rescue operations.

Immigration Officer

Immigration Officers establish that persons entering and leaving the UK have necessary authorisation for crossing national borders.

What’s Involved?

Immigration Officers ensure that the declared value of goods is satisfactory and that duties and taxes have been paid. They examine passports, visas, work permits and other immigration documents, and allow or refuse entry into the UK.

Merchant Navy Rating

Ship and hovercraft officers command and navigate ships and other craft, co-ordinate the activities of officers and deck and engine room ratings, operate and maintain communications equipment on board ship and undertake minor repairs to engines, boilers and other mechanical and electrical equipment.

What’s Involved?

Merchant Navy Rating allocates duties to ship's officers and co-ordinates and directs the activities of deck and engine room ratings. They direct or undertake the operation of controls to inflate air cushions, run engines and propel and steer ships, hovercraft and other vessels. They also locate the position of vessel using electronic and other navigational aids such as charts and compasses and advise on navigation where appropriate. They monitor the operation of engines, generators and other mechanical and electrical equipment and undertake any necessary minor repairs. They maintain radio contact with other vessels and coast stations. They also prepare watch keeping rota and maintain a look-out for other vessels or obstacles. They maintain logs of vessel's progress, weather conditions, conduct of crew, etc.

Police Community Support Officer

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) support the local police force by patrolling the streets to provide a visible and reassuring presence and to tackle a range of crime and disorder problems. PCSOs are also attached to the British Transport Police who operate the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

What’s Involved?

Police Community Support Officer's patrol a geographic area to monitor and deter criminal and anti-social activity and disorderly conduct. They assist police officers at crime scenes and major events. They also carry out house-to-house enquiries. They provide crime prevention advice and help to support victims of crime. They may detain someone pending the arrival of a police officer. They may direct traffic and arrange for vehicles to be removed.

Prison Governor

Prison Governors plan, organise, direct, and co-ordinate the activities and resources necessary for the running of a prison, remand or detention centre.

What’s Involved?

Prison Governors interview prisoners on arrival and discharge/departure, receive reports on disciplinary problems and decide on appropriate action, make periodic checks on internal and external security, and provide care and support to prisoners in custody.

Prison Officer

Prison service officers (below Principal Officer) direct, co-ordinate and participate in guarding inmates and maintaining discipline in prisons and other detention centres.

What’s Involved?

Prison Officers escort prisoners to and from cells and supervise them during meals, recreation and visiting periods. They watch for any infringements of regulations and search prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items. They guard entrances and perimeter walls. They also investigate disturbances or any other unusual occurrences. They escort prisoners transferred from one institution to another. They run prisoner rehabilitation and support programmes. They provide care and support to prisoners in custody including prevention of self harm. They train and supervise prison staff. They also report on prisoners' conduct as necessary.

Probation Services Officer

Probation officers work to rehabilitate offenders. They supervise, counsel and help them before trial, during any prison or community sentence and on release from prison.

What’s Involved?

Probation Services Officers produce pre-sentence reports to the court about an individual's crime, their personal circumstances, the suitability of sentencing, the likelihood of re-offending and the future risk to the public. They enforce court orders and serve the public by providing a wide range of supervision programmes for those in receipt of a community sentence. They also draw up probation plans with offenders and help them follow it, advise them on any work and help them with any family or social problems. They work with prisoners in giving advice on problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, addressing training needs, finding work and getting accommodation. They also keep accurate and comprehensive records.

Security Service Personnel

Workers in this unit group protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage, and investigate fraud and crime on a non-statutory basis.

What’s Involved?

Security Service Personnel investigate crimes, trading practices and the private affairs of individuals. They walk or ride near person requiring protection, watch for suspicious occurrences and defend guarded person from attack. They also monitor and patrol hotels, factories, offices and other premises, forests, parks, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry. They check people and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establish their credentials and arrange for escorts for visitors. They also receive duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, check locks, doors, windows, etc. and report any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters. They call in civil police and give evidence in court where necessary.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.