Level 1 Public Services Edexcel BTEC Extended Certificate
Course level: 1
Course code: CP0152
07/09/2026
Is this course right for me?
If you want to work in uniformed public services, this course is the first step to your future career!
You will learn important skills – including communication, planning and team work – which are vital for a career in the armed forces, police, fire and ambulance service, prison service or customs and revenue, as well as if you want to work in the leisure industry or do community or youth work. You will also have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of a work experience placement.
Trips, visits and enrichment:
Learn new skills and gain experience through our compulsory trips, visits and enrichment activities. These include:
- Fitness activities
- Outward-bound expedition
- One-day Armed Forces Midlands Challenge
- Visit the Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield
- Visit RAF Cosford
- Hear from guest speakers from a range of public services including West Midlands Police and The British Army etc.
- Stop and search workshops
- Participate in a crime investigation workshop
- Take part in a multi-day camping expedition
Costs:
• Compulsory study visits: £120 per year*
• Uniform: A college branded uniform is compulsory and will cost around £123 per person*
Order kit here: www.laclothing.co.uk/wolvcoll
*Financial support may be available to cover some of these costs
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to:
- Have three GCSEs, including Grade 2 in maths and English
- Attend an interview with a member of college staff to determine your suitability for the course
- Show a willingness to learn.
What will I learn?
During this course you will study a variety of units including:
- Investigating public services
- Being organised
- Developing a progression plan
- Working with others
- Research skills
- Security Searching
- Responding to an incident
- Plan and navigate a route
- Contributing to your community
- Taking part in sport and adventurous activities
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course, you will:
- Gain vital teamwork / building skills
- Improve your communication skills
- Develop skills in navigation
- Improve your fitness
- Learn how to plan and lead a team
- Take part in expeditions
- Basic first aid skills
- Developing your confidence by exposure to a range of new and challenging experiences
How will I be assessed?
Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:
- Individual and group presentations
- Case studies
- Role play
- Question and answer sessions
- Displays
- Assignments
- Video and audio recordings
You will also be required to build a portfolio of evidence gathered throughout the course.
What can I do next?
These are the skills you will learn from this course which will enable you to:
- Progress directly to the Public Services BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate
- With further qualifications, pursue a career in the police service, the armed forces, the fire service, prison & probation service, UK Border Force, revenue and customs or youth and community work.
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
Like what you’ve seen?
Then it’s time to apply.
Unsure whats right for you?
Visit us at one of our Open Events and see what City of Wolverhampton College has to offer.
